Itchy Varicose Veins - Why Do They Itch & How to Treat Them

1. Itchy Varicose Veins: Why Do They Itch & How to Treat Them

2. Why do varicose veins itch? We hear this question a lot. Unfortunately, itchiness is a common symptom of varicose veins. If you’ve been diagnosed with vein disease, you may constantly be scratching at your legs, ankles, and feet. This can be a frustrating experience –– not to mention uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. Those affected by itchy, varicose veins often mistake this itch as a skin-based issue. They attempt to treat this symptom with lotions and moisturizers instead of addressing the root cause of the problem. To make things potentially worse, if left untreated, itchy varicose veins can eventually develop into more dangerous venous ulcers. They can also place you at risk for a serious type of blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

3. If you’re wondering how to stop varicose veins from itching, we can help. Our vein specialists offer minimally invasive, office-based vein treatment that can quickly alleviate itching and other related symptoms. Below, we provide helpful information about vein disease, itchy varicose veins, and your treatment options. If you have additional questions, we recommend consulting a vein specialist.

5. Why Do Varicose Veins Itch? Vein disease, also known as venous insufficiency, is a common health condition that affects millions of people in the United States. When veins malfunction as a result of vein disease, blood begins to pool in the legs, ankles, and feet. When blood collects in these areas, your blood pressure can rise causing your capillaries to become damaged and leak proteins inside your tissues. This leakage sometimes causes a buildup of blood cells, proteins, and fluids which may result in excessive swelling in the legs, also known as peripheral edema. Vein disease can also lead to stasis dermatitis, a type of skin inflammation which commonly develops in the lower legs where swelling occurs. Along with itchiness, stasis dermatitis often involves other skin issues like redness, flaky skin, hyper-pigmentation, and scaling. Over time, the affected areas may crack or break open. In severe cases, your skin can eventually develop venous ulcers, a type of open, non-healing wound.

7. Common Signs Of Stasis Dermatitis • Venous stasis dermatitis can involve anything from mild, occasional symptoms to significant pain and discomfort. • You may have stasis dermatitis if you experience one or more of the following symptoms: • Aching or heaviness in your legs when you walk or stand for prolonged periods of time • Swelling in your ankles • Visible, raised veins in your legs • Dry, itchy skin in the affected area • Irritated, swollen, red, and sore skin • As varicose veins, stasis dermatitis, and vein disease worsen, you may also experience: • Dry, itchy, cracked skin • Swelling in the ankles and calves • Ulcers or sores that leak fluid • Open sores with a violet or red color on your lower legs or ankles

9. If stasis dermatitis continues to be left untreated, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life. Signs of advanced venous stasis dermatitis can include: • Itchy, hard skin on the lower leg • Skin infections • Shrinking of the calves • When left untreated, stasis dermatitis symptoms worsen over time. At USA Vein Clinics, our vein specialists offer quick, outpatient treatments that can ease itchy varicose veins.

10. How to Treat Itchy Varicose Veins • We perform a range of minimally invasive vein treatments that can alleviate itchy varicose veins and other symptoms of vein disease. Our state-of-the-art, ultrasound-guided methods close off any malfunctioning vein valves, resulting in the diversion of blood flow into your surrounding, healthy veins. • Our non-surgical treatments for itchy varicose veins include: • EndovenousLaser Therapy (EVLT) • Varithena Vein Treatment • Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy • ClariVein® Treatment • VenaSeal™ Closure System • During your initial visit, a vein specialist will review your symptoms and medical history, then perform an ultrasound examination. This process helps determine the type of vein treatment best suited for your condition. Best of all, our treatments can take less than an hour, after which you are immediately able to return to most of your daily activities.

11. Discover Relief from Itchy Varicose Veins at USA Vein Clinics Your health and safety are important to us. To provide quick relief from pain and discomfort, USA Vein Clinics performs a range of minimally invasive, outpatient vein treatments at over 100 locations in 14 states. Schedule an appointment today to find relief from itchy varicose veins, stasis dermatitis, and other venous symptoms. To learn more about how to stop varicose veins from itching, give us a call at 888.768.3467 or schedule online now.

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