Treatment for Surface Itching in Varicose Veins

Although many people with varicose veins do not experience any physical symptoms of the condition, many others do. One of the most common symptoms associated with varicose veins is surface itching around the veins. Fortunately, there are a few treatment options available to relieve this itching.

Identification

• Varicose veins are abnormally dilated blood vessels that occur as a result of weakened blood vessel walls. Varicose veins can appear anywhere, but they commonly occur on the legs and in the pelvic region.

Symptoms

• Varicose veins look like swollen and twisted groups of blue veins. The symptoms also include swelling in the legs, muscle cramps or aching legs, soreness behind the knee, brown discoloration of the skin, unusual feelings in the legs and itching around the surface of the varicose veins.

Treatment

• To treat the surface itching, avoid spending long amounts of time sitting or standing. Take frequent breaks to stretch the legs with light walking or static stretches. Also, elevate the feet as much as possible while sitting.

Alternative

• Wear compression stockings when the veins become especially itchy and symptomatic. Compression stockings prevent the veins in the legs from stretching and swelling, which is what ultimately causes the itching and pain. Speak with your doctor regarding the proper type of compression stockings for your varicose veins.

Considerations

• If your case of varicose veins and/or surface itching is particularly frustrating, you may want to consider sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution into the veins. The solution causes the veins to contract and shrivel and eventually close down completely.