SCLEROTHERAPY

Unsightly varicose and spider veins are a definite eyesore. For some, leg veins are more than just a beauty issue. They can cause pain, discomfort and cramping in the legs. Even worse, severe inflamed veins may reduce circulation and lead to swollen ankles and skin ulceration.

Leg veins can occur in both men and women, but is more common in women of child-bearing years and older. Many factors predispose a person to leg veins. These include:

• Heredity
• Ageing
• Occupations that require a lot of standing, as in the case of nurses, factory workers, hair stylists
• Hormonal influences (during pregnancy, menopause, etc.)
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise and physical activity
• Use of contraception
• History of blood clots
• Several conditions like constipation and tumors that increase pressure in the abdomen

Sclerotherapy is a well-studied procedure that has been used since the 1930s. It involves injection of a small quantity of chemical solution directly into the varicose or spider vein. This causes the veins to swell and seal shut, stopping the blood flow. As a result, the vein gradually fades and disappears within a few weeks. Generally, spider veins respond to sclerotherapy treatment in 3 to 6 weeks, and larger veins respond in 3 to 4 months. If the veins respond to the treatment, usually they will not reappear. However, new veins may appear over time, and if necessary, you may return to your dermatologist for injections.

If you are considering sclerotherapy, it’s important that you meet with a certified dermatologist to determine if this procedure is the best approach to meet your needs.