Why are Varicose Veins Itchy?
Varicose veins can cause pain and discomfort, and although these are the more commonly discussed symptoms (along with their unsightly look), they can also become itchy. Because of this, many people wonder what causes varicose veins to itch and what can be done about it.
Don’t have your answer below? Shoot me a message!
I reply to every email.
What Causes Itchy Varicose Veins?
The irritation associated with varicose veins raises the question: what causes it and what can be done about it? The medical term for the condition that causes varicose veins to itch is called venous stasis dermatitis. This disorder manifests itself when blood pools in vessels that have been injured. The blood could potentially seep through your skin, causing the skin that covers the vein to become red and itchy. It is possible, because of the inflammation that this causes, that your skin will not receive the appropriate amount of oxygen.
There are two basic reasons of itchy varicose veins:
- An increase in histamine
The rise in the hormone histamine is released after experiencing an allergic reaction or response. The body generates hormones to mend varicose veins when they are not functioning properly. You will experience an itching sensation when your body is trying to treat your varicose veins, itself. - Leaking fluid
Leakage of fluid, triggered by the veins’ inability to return blood to the heart causing blood to pool in the veins, which raises the vein pressure. Blood may leak out of the vein and into the skin and other soft tissues to relieve the strain. This causes skin irritation (because blood should, of course, remain within the veins) and symptoms can include skin discolouration, rashes, and irritation (itching).
How to Treat Itchy Varicose Veins
At Vein Doctor Sydney, we perform several minimally invasive vein treatments that, in addition to relieving itching varicose veins and other symptoms of vein disease, can also help prevent vein disease. Using innovative techniques that are guided by advanced ultrasound technology, we can seal off any vein valves that are not functioning properly, which redirects blood flow into healthy veins that are in the surrounding area.
Our minimally invasive treatments for itchy varicose veins include:
- Endovenous laser ablation: Involves inserting a catheter into the diseased vein and delivering a source of heat via a laser fiber. The laser’s heat destroys the cells lining the vein wall and the vein is gradually reabsorbed by the body over several months.
- Radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency energy emitted from an electrode generates heat, damaging the walls of the diseased vein and effectively closing the refluxing vein. Over time, the body will reabsorb the treated vein, causing it to disappear.
- Medical glue treatment (VenaSeal): The glue is a medical-grade adhesive delivered by a catheter that seals the diseased veins and allows blood flow to redirect to healthy veins.
- Ultrasound-guided foal sclerotherapy: Involves injecting a solution (called a sclerosant) into a vein. The solution irritates the lining of the diseased vein causing the vein to turn into scar tissue and fade.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy: Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to remove superficial varicose veins through multiple small incisions in the skin.
Discover relief from itch varicose veins at Vein Doctor Sydney
At Vein Doctors Sydney, your overall health is our top priority. Schedule an appointment today and discover relief from itching varicose veins, and other venous symptoms. Call Vein Doctors Sydney on (02) 9023 9970.
Book A