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Spider and Varicose Vein Therapy
Sclerotherapy is the injection of unwanted blood vessels which have a red or bluish colour and appear especially on the legs. They are a common problem and particularly affect women. Larger unwanted blood vessels may be raised above the skin surface and are called varicose veins and may be associated with some aching.
What Causes These Vessels to Become Visable?
The cause is not known, except that in many cases they run in families.
More women than men seem to develop this condition perhaps as a result of pregnancy or because of hormonal factors. Previous injury and bruising, along with occupations involving prolonged standing may contribute.
Can They be Prevented?
The use of support stockings, weight control, and regular exercise may be beneficial.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Using a syringe with a tiny needle, your dermatologist injects a small amount of a chemical solution, called a sclerosing solution, directly into the vein. The solution then causes the vein to become irritated causing the vein walls to swell and stick together. Over a period of weeks to months the vein can fade from view. Each vein may require several injections, some weeks apart, but in any one treatment session multiple vessels can be injected. Following the injection, a pressure bandage is usually applied to the site.
Is the Proceedure Painful?
The fine needles result in a barely perceptible pinprick sensation. Some experience a slight to moderate burning sensation immediately after the injection but this disappears in a few seconds.
How Successful is Scerotherapy?
Most patients can expect about 80% improvement in treated veins. However, the fading process is gradual and total clearance of all veins is seldom achieved.
Aare There Side-Effects Following Treatment?
Bruises can occur at the site of injection. These will disappear in a few weeks.
Brown Lines or Spots on the skin at the sites of treated blood vessels. These pigmented areas may result when blood escapes from treated veins into the skin. In most cases they disappear in time, but in about 5% of patients they may persist for years. New laser therapy is now available that can treat stubborn pigmented areas.
Blisters may occur when small amounts of the solution seep into the surrounding skin.
Lumps may develop in large injected vessels. These are blood clots.
Swelling may occur when veins in the lower leg or ankle are injected.
Inflammation of treated blood vessels (Phlebitis) may occur when larger vessels are injected.
Mats are networks of fine red blood vessels near the sites of injection especially on the thighs.
Ulcers may form at treatment sites either immediately or within a few days of injection. These are rare but can be painful and usually heal with scarring.
Allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution are rare.
Will the Treated Veins Recur?
New crops of veins can develop and treated spider veins can recur.
What Else Should I Know?
Following the procedure walking is essential to prevent blood clots forming.
Bandaging is often used following injection to help seal the treated vessels and in the hope of reducing bruising, swelling and other complications.
Between treatments or following the conclusion of treatment, regular exercise, weight control and use of support stockings (if practicable) may help reduce the appearance of new dilated veins.
Your dermatologist is able to advise you about your suitability for sclerotherapy.
Based on information provided to the Australasian College of Dermatologists
by Dr C Vinciullo and Dr. T G Elliott.
Last Modified 30 June, 2001 / © 2000 Australasian College of Dermatologists
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