What Causes Redness And Purple Colored Visible Veins Under The Armpit?

Posted on Sat, 24 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm a quadriplegic and I am having a major vein issue under my armpit. I keep getting purple veins with redness around them. Been to 2 doctors and they just say it will go away but it just gets worse. 1 doctor on here thought it was stretch marks but want another opinion

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Likely stretch marks.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The appearance of the marks is suggestive of stretch marks. The reddish tinge to the stretch mark is indicative that it is rather recent. The stretch will slowly turn silvery white and eventually fade. Veins are seen prominently in the stretch marks is because the thinning and stretching of skin makes underlying veins more visible.

Since your stretch marks are rather new, you can apply tretinoin cream (Retin A) to help faster fading.

Hope this answers your question.

Please let me know if you need further clarification.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (27 minutes later)

Is it normal from them to get longer and bigger?

So I need a prescription for that?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Retin A require prescription.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Yes, starch marks can increase in size before it starts to fade.
Tretinoin like Retin A requires a prescription. However, there are alternative over the counter retinol creams available which have similar but slightly less potent action when compared to retin A. Obagi Retinol 1.0 per cent is one such over the counter retinol cream.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng