23F – Severe Thinning of Skin, Noticeable Veins, and Circulation Problems
Hello everyone, I’m a 23-year-old woman at a healthy weight, not on any medications, nor have I made any significant changes to my lifestyle lately. While I’ve always had somewhat sensitive skin, the last seven months have led to an alarming deterioration, making me feel as though I no longer recognize my own body. It genuinely seems like there’s a serious underlying issue, yet I'm struggling to find answers. **Notable Symptoms:** * **Rapid, dramatic thinning of skin** – particularly around my eyes (prominent blue and purple veins), as well as on my arms, hands, feet, and groin (evident blue and purple veins everywhere). * Although skin thinning may have been gradual over several years, it has now **accelerated significantly**. * **Veins that are unusually pronounced** (thin blue and purple strands), particularly noticeable under my eyes and on my limbs. * **Bulging veins in my arms**, particularly when it’s warm. * **Sensitivity to heat**. * **Red, irritated eyes** that have persisted for about three months with no explainable cause. * **Sensitive skin** where even light touch can feel uncomfortable. * **Circulatory issues in the legs** – knees and feet appear red/purple and turn white upon pressure. * **Tingling sensations in various regions**, **joint popping**, and a **slightly elevated resting heart rate**. * Increasing **anxiety and fear**, especially as these symptoms worsen without any diagnosis. * I am also dealing with an **anal fissure**. * Have had **digestive issues** throughout my life. I visited a **general practitioner**, who conducted comprehensive blood tests including thyroid function – all results were normal. A **dermatologist** validated the presence of **thinned skin**, but couldn't provide an explanation. **What is most disheartening is the feeling of not being taken seriously.** The medical professionals I’ve consulted thus far seem to dismiss my concerns or imply they are merely cosmetic or stress-related, despite the visible and tangible changes occurring. This is taking a toll on my quality of life and mental well-being, and I feel as though I'm speaking into the void. I have growing concerns that this could be indicative of **vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS)** or another connective tissue condition. I recognize that such diagnoses are rare; nevertheless, the lingering combination of symptoms—especially the vascular and dermatological manifestations—frighten me. **I would greatly appreciate:** * Hearing from anyone who has faced similar experiences. * Recommendations on specialists I might see (Such as a Geneticist, Rheumatologist, or Vascular Specialist?). * Any particular tests or language I should consider mentioning to ensure I am taken seriously. If you’ve ever navigated a similar situation or have tips on how to advocate for your health more effectively, I would be tremendously grateful for your insights. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 6:50:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're experiencing significant and distressing symptoms, which can be both physically and emotionally challenging. It's important to find answers and feel taken seriously in your healthcare journey. You mentioned severe skin thinning, prominent veins, circulatory issues, and other concerning symptoms, which could indicate a possible connective tissue disorder like vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS). Let’s discuss what you can do next.
Overview of Your Situation
Your symptoms, including the pronounced skin thinning, visible veins, and circulation issues, are not typical and deserve thorough investigation. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious, especially when you sense something may be wrong but have not received adequate responses from healthcare providers.
Actionable Steps
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Referral for Specialized Care:
- Consider seeing a geneticist: Given your concerns about vEDS or other connective tissue disorders, a geneticist can assess your symptoms and the family history to help determine the need for genetic testing.
- Rheumatologist or Vascular Specialist: Either specialist can conduct evaluations specific to connective tissue disorders or vascular health, respectively.
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Detailed Documentation:
- Keep a symptom diary where you track the severity and frequency of your symptoms (e.g., skin thinning, vein visibility, circulation changes, and sensations like tingling). This documentation can be useful when discussing your situation with specialists.
- Note any other changes in your health, emotional well-being, and lifestyle that may correlate with your symptoms.
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Request Specific Evaluations:
- When you consult a specialist, you can inquire about specific tests such as:
- Genetic testing for vEDS: This might include tests for COL3A1 gene mutations.
- Skin biopsies or imaging studies to assess the condition of your connective tissues.
- Ultrasound to evaluate blood vessels in areas of concern.
- When you consult a specialist, you can inquire about specific tests such as:
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Communicating Your Concerns:
- Be direct about your fears of having a connective tissue disorder. You might say, “I’m worried that my symptoms could indicate a serious condition like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and I’d like to explore that possibility thoroughly.” Using specific terminology can sometimes lead to more focused evaluations.
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Holistic Support:
- Consider finding a mental health professional experienced in chronic illnesses to help navigate the anxiety and emotional aspects of your health journey.
- Engage in gentle, low-impact exercises such as yoga or swimming if suitable for you, as they can improve circulation and promote overall well-being.
Reassurance
Remember, the quest for clarity regarding your health can take time. Advocating for yourself is vital, and you deserve to have your concerns acknowledged and addressed appropriately. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you continue to feel unheard. You're not alone in this, and there are specialists who can help you further explore and understand your symptoms.
If you have any questions or need more information on any topic, feel free to reach out.
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