Locations:         Downey        Montclair        Apple Valley

Do Varicose Veins Itch?

The Vein Specialists at ProVascularMD explain the cause of itchy varicose veins and treatment options that can help.
Do varicose veins itch?

Itchy veins can be a minor nuisance or a serious detriment to an individual’s quality of life depending on how severe they are and how persistent the itch is. Varicose veins are often recognized by their unsightly appearance, but they often bring about other symptoms that cause pain or discomfort in the affected leg. Swelling and cramping are amongst the most common issues associated with varicose veins, but many individuals with vein problems have come to learn that varicose veins can itch as well.

Itchy varicose vein specialist Dr. Michael Lalezarian in Los Angeles, California

Vein Specialist

Dr. Michael Lalezarian

Vein problems? We can help. No matter what stage of venous insufficiency you find yourself in, Dr. Lalezarian can help you get your legs back. Dr. Michael Lalezarian is a double-board certified Vascular Interventional Radiologist specializing in minimally invasive vein treatments. He is a committed partner in the battle against the devastating consequences of venous insufficiency.
Schedule Your Visit
5-star venous insufficiency care in Los Angeles
“Dr. L changed my life. He’s knowledgeable, caring and my experience with his office staff was as good as it gets. I wish all of my doctor visits felt this way. After a few pregnancies I was having incredibly painful varicose veins that was really wearing on me. The treatment was practically painless and I’m so happy with my results. He’ll be my vascular doctor moving forward.” Michelle H, February 2022

Why Do Varicose Veins Itch?

To understand why varicose veins itch, we need to first understand how varicose veins develop and how they affect the leg. Varicose veins are caused by a phenomenon called venous reflux, which is a fancy term that describes when blood flows backwards in the veins. Backwards blood flow causes blood to pool within the veins, which is why varicose veins can appear colorful and bulgy on the surface of the leg. Veins in the leg form a network of pipes, and backup in one part of the network tends to back up further into other parts of the network, which is why varicose veins tend to get worse over time and extend throughout various parts of the leg. Unfortunately, the consequences of varicose veins do not stop with unsightly veins. When blood pools in a varicose vein, nearby skin can become dry, irritated, and itchy from a lack of adequate blood supply and nutrition. Further, when blood pools in the veins it tends to leak out into the surrounding tissues, which is why varicose veins are typically accompanied by significant swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the leg. When blood leaks out of the vein, inflammatory cells move into the tissues as well, causing the skin to become irritated and itchy in a clinical presentation that’s similar to eczema. These symptoms may or may not be accompanied by skin color changes where the skin either becomes a darker shade or a lighter shade.
Vein Screening in Los Angeles
See a Vein Specialist
Refer A Patient
Woman scratching her itchy varicose veins

Are Itchy Varicose Veins Serious?

Itchy varicose veins could indicate that your varicose veins are getting worse, especially if you’ve noticed changes in the color and consistency of your skin in the affected area of your leg. Unfortunately, varicose veins do not go away on their own, and they tend to get worse if left untreated. The most advanced stages of vein disease result in significant skin changes and leg ulcers caused by impaired blood flow.

Readers of the popular book 1984 by George Orwell may recall that the lead character, Winston Smith, was often scratching at his varicose ulcer. While his ailment has been said to symbolize the repressed humanity of the fictional dystopia that he lived in, the staff at ProVascularMD understand it to mean that Winston was way overdue to see a Vein Specialist.

Treatment For Itchy Varicose Veins

There are both temporary and permanent treatments for itchy varicose veins. For immediate symptom relief, antihistamines and topical creams can be used to relieve itching.

  • Antihistamines: medications that inhibit the chemical histamine, which causes skin to itch
  • Topical Creams: medicated creams that contain corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors that reduce inflammation and relieve itching

Importantly, these treatments are only effective for a short time, and neither are recommended for long-term repeated use.

Fortunately, there are specialized varicose vein treatments that can provide permanent relief from itchy veins, pain, swelling, and other symptoms of varicose veins. Vein treatment addresses the root cause by closing down problem veins and restoring healthy blood flow throughout the leg.

  • Sclerotherapy: a chemical solution called sclerosant is injected into varicose veins, causing them to permanently close
  • Thermal Ablation: heat is applied to the inside of the veins using a catheter-based device, causing the veins to close
  • VenaSeal: a bio-safe glue is injected into the varicose veins, and pressure is applied from the outside to seal the veins shut

Get in touch with us at ProVascularMD to learn more about your veins and your treatment options.

Vein Screening in Los Angeles
See a Vein Specialist
Refer A Patient
More Resources
Stages of venous insufficiency

Stages of Venous Insufficiency

Learn about the stages of venous insufficiency, from spider veins to venous leg ulcers.

Vein screening

Vein Screening

We break down each step in the diagnosis of vein disease so you know what to expect.

Vein treatment

Vein Treatment in Los Angeles

Learn about your vein treatment options, including foam sclertherapy, Venaseal, and thermal ablation.

Vein treatment
Venous Ulcer Care

Learn how minimally invasive vein treatments can help accelerate healing.

Los Angeles Vascular Specialist Dr. Michael Lalezarian
Vein Specialist in Los Angeles

Learn more about Los Angeles Vein Specialist Dr. Michael Lalezarian.

References [1] Lurie F. Passman M. Meisner M, Dalsing M, Masuda E, Welch H, Bush RL, et al. The 2020 Update of the CEAP classification system and reporting standards. J Vasc Surg: Venous and Lym Dis 2020;8:342-52. [2] Vasquez MA, Rabe E, Mclafferty RB, et al. Revision of the venous clinical severity score: venous outcomes consensus statement: special communication of the American Venous Forum Ad Hoc Outcomes Working Group. J Vasc Surg. 2010;52(5):1387-96. [3] Creager, Mark A., and Joseph Loscalzo.. “Chronic Venous Disease and Lymphedema.” Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 20e Eds. J. Larry Jameson, et al. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. [4] Raffetto JD. Pathophysiology of Chronic Venous Disease and Venous Ulcers. Surg Clin North Am. 2018;98(2):337-347.

Schedule Your Visit

or contact us about a referral
Call ProVascularMD Vascular Treatment Center in Los Angeles, California

PHONE

Office Lookup

Call us any time
M-F, 8am-5pm

Message ProVascularMD Vascular Treatment Center in Los Angeles, California
MESSAGE

Click the Chat Button

Get connected now with our
instant messaging widget.
Email ProVascularMD Vascular Treatment Center in Los Angeles, California
EMAIL
info@provascularmd.com
Email us or use the
contact form below.
You can also use this contact form
for general inquiries.

4 + 8 =

Vascular Care in Los Angeles
& San Bernardino County

Adelanto
Alhambra
Amboy
Angelus Oaks
Apple Valley
Arcadia
Azusa
Baker
Baldwin Park
Barstow
Bell Gardens
Big Bear City
Big Bear Lake
Bloomington
Blue Jay
Bryn Mawr
Burbank
Cedar Glen
Cedarpines Park
Chino
Chino Hills
Cima
Citrus
City of Industry
Claremont
Colton
Covina
Crestline
Daggett

Diamond Bar
Downey
Duarte
Eagle Rock
Earp
El Monte
Essex
Fawnskin
Fontana
Forest Falls
Fort Irwin
Glendale
Glendora
Grand Terrace
Green Valley Lake
Guasti
Hacienda Heights
Helendale
Hesperia
Highland
Highland Park
Hinkley
Irwindale
Joshua Tree
La Canada
La Crescenta
La Habra
La Mirada
La Puente

La Verne
Lake Arrowhead
Landers
Loma Linda
Lucerne Valley
Ludlow
Lytle Creek
Mentone
Monrovia
Montclair
Montebello
Monterey Park
Morongo Valley
Mountain Pass
Mt Baldy
Needles
Newberry Springs
Nipton
Norwalk
Ontario
Oro Grande
Parker Dam
Pasadena
Phelan
Pico Rivera
Pinon Hills
Pioneertown
Pomona
Rancho Cucamonga

Redlands
Rialto
Rimforest
Rosemead
Running Springs
San Bernardino
San Dimas
San Gabriel
Santa Fe Springs
Sierra Madre
Skyforest
South El Monte
South Pasadena
Sugarloaf
Temple City
Trona
Twentynine Palms
Twin Peaks
Upland
Victorville
Vidal
Walnut
West Covina
West San Dimas
Whittier
Wrightwood
Yermo
Yucaipa
Yucca Valley