Sclerotherapy is most commonly used for the treatment of unwanted, visible
spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins are tiny red or blue veins
that can appear anywhere on the body but occur most commonly on the legs.
Varicose veins are generally larger veins that are usually raised above
the skin’s surface. Varicose veins can sometimes cause aching legs
and swelling of the ankles. They can also be associated with burning,
stinging, throbbing, restless legs and leg cramps.
How it works?
Sclerotherapy is the injection of a chemical solution into unwanted
blood vessels causing irritation and sticking together of the vessel
walls. This leads to fibrosis of the vessel, making it unable to carry
blood and no longer visible in the skin.
How it works?
With sclerotherapy, the doctor will use very fine needles to inject the
sclerosing solution into the blood vessels. Multiple vessels can be injected
during one treatment session.
The veins may require a number of repeat injections over a period of weeks
to ensure they are fully sclerosed and fade from view. A compression stocking
is usually applied following treatment. While most patients can expect
at least a 75 per cent improvement in their treated veins, total clearance
is uncommon.
How does it feel?
The injections usually cause minimal discomfort although some people
might experience a slight to moderate burning sensation immediately after
the injection.
Possible Side Effects
Following treatment there are often raised, red areas at the sites
of the injections. These usually resolve within the hour. People may
also notice bruising and occasionally the sclerosed vein will appear
more pronounced after treatment, however these effects are also short-lived.
Temporary aching in the legs can also occur and this can be
helped by walking and by taking paracetamol if necessary. Other possible
side-effects of sclerotherapy include:
• staining of the skin, caused by haemosiderin (an iron storage
protein) from blood trapped in the injected vessel;
•
ulcers;
•
matting — networks of fine red blood vessels;
•
allergic reaction to the sclerosing solution (rarely); and
•
deep venous thrombosis (rarely).
Long-term side effects of sclerotherapy are rare. Veins that have been
adequately treated with sclerotherapy will not recur however new vessels
may appear over time. Support stockings, weight control and exercise are
thought to be helpful in preventing the development of these vessel abnormalities,
in particular varicose veins.