Judith Lee, age 12, of Twin Falls, Idaho, for her question:

WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS?

A varicose vein is a dilated and often tortuous vein. If a vein becomes permanently dilated it is called a varicose vein. This happens because the valves in the vein no longer function properly or because blood volume in the vein increases. Usually both conditions occur together and are interrelated.

Theoretically any vein can develop variocosities, but certain veins are more likely to.

When veins in the submucous membranes of the rectum dilate, hemorrhoids, or piles, result. These may be painful and bleed. Treatment varies and often surgery is necessary.

The most common varicose veins are the superficial leg veins. Bluish in color, these become rather prominent and visible. They may cause ankle edema and skin ulcerations.

Simple superficial varicose leg veins are treated .by applying pressure all along them with an elastic stocking, by sclerosing them with a chemical solution or by removing them surgically.