Are Itching Varicose Veins A Bad Sign?

Itching varicose veins is a symptom of  that indicates that the condition is quite advanced, as vascular insufficiency is affecting the health and condition of the skin as well.

The most commonly recognised symptoms of varicose veins is their appearance. Patients can often be seen with enlarged, twisted and lumpy blue or purple coloured veins. They look – and feel – increasingly uncomfortable.

However, the appearance is not the only symptom.

The condition venous stasis dermatitis or venous eczema involves irritated skin. Initially the area probably feels quite itchy, but then will start to develop abrasions which get worse with scratching. This can develop so  the skin becomes red and scaly – which is noticeable to others as well as the patient themselves. In the worst cases, the condition worsens to the extent that sores and ulcers start to be an issue, with risk of infection.

You may even experiencing itching varicose veins before they’re really visible, as some patients experience ‘hidden varicose veins‘.

Why do I have itching varicose veins?

For patients with varicose veins, the blood circulation is inefficient. This means that the blood is not being returned efficiently back up the legs to the heart. It causes build up of pressure in the veins.

As the condition worsens, the skin can be affected, as it is not able to get enough fresh blood and oxygen to maintain a healthy balance.

Another factor is that pressure in the veins causes some of the blood to leak out into your skin, which can cause swelling, especially around the ankles.

Are itchy varicose veins a bad sign?

Itchy skin is not usually one of the early signs of varicose veins, so if your skin is affected, then that usually is a sign that the problem is getting worse.

Unfortunately, varicose veins is a condition that won’t get better without intervention to remove the insufficient veins. However, there are things that you can do to make the condition more bearable.

What can I do about itching varicose veins?

It’s important to remember that itchy skin is a symptom of varicose veins. So while moisturising creams may provide some relief, the key is to manage the varicose veins themselves.

1. Wear compression stockings to relieve the pressure on your legs
2. Avoid standing for too long
3. Keep active with regular exercise/walks to boost your circulation
4. Raise your feet whenever you can to relieve the pressure on difficult veins
5. A GP can prescribe steroid or other prescription-only creams to tackle severe itching
6. Enquire about varicose vein treatment. For patients who are struggling with itching, ulcers, bleeding, eczema, pain, discomfort and difficulty sleeping; then it’s recommended to seek treatment.

5 Varicose Vein Treatments

The latest treatment techniques are highly effective and available on a ‘walk in walk out’ basis at our London clinics with no general anaesthetic or overnight stay required. We offer a suite of options to get rid of varicose veins:

1. EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) treatment from £1,650 – laser treatment to destroy the veins from the inside – the gold-standard solution for varicose veins
2. Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy – exclusively developed by our Vascular Surgeon, this combines EVLA with Foam Sclerotherapy
3. ClariVein® treatment from £1,895 – a mechanical action combines with a special chemical to seal the vein for fast and effective relief
4. Micro surgery from £500 – most often used alongside other treatments, physically removing the troublesome veins after laser/injections
5. Foam sclerotherapy from £500 – injectable treatment which uses a special chemical to destroy the varicose vein