Sclerotherapy Q&A
58%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
43 Reviews
Sclerotherapybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Sclerotherapy Cost: $375

Learn about Sclerotherapy

137 people and 116 doctors are talking about Sclerotherapy

Get Free Email Updates

Is Itching Following Sclerotherapy a Sign of an Allergic Reaction?

asked 5 months ago by anon
Latest answer by Sabrina Fabi, MD
Question viewed 222 times
Tags: causes, itching, itchy, reasons, statistics, varicose veins

Why would itching occur after sclerotherapy? How often does it occur in patients?

6 answers to Is Itching Following Sclerotherapy a Sign of an Allergic Reaction?

+1

Itching after sclerotherapy

Local itching at sites where sclerotherapy was performed can be common after the procedure. As the point of the procedure is to induce a local inflammatory reaction in the vessel, that can result in histamine release, which causes us to itch. This is typically why in our practice we apply a topical steroid to the legs immediately after sclerotherapy, to mitigate this reaction. Although rare, if you are having itching beyond the areas of injection (rest of your body), you should... more
Sabrina Fabi, MD

San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Itching Possible in Treated Areas After Sclerotherapy

It is very possible to have itching in the areas treated after having sclerotherapy done. The veins treated are irritated by the solution injected into them and that irritation can result in itching and redness in the area; there may even be some bruising and swelling. All of this should resolve within a couple of weeks. If the itching is bothersome, I recommend using an over-the-counter cortisone cream a few times a day. If that doesn't help, consult with your doctor... more
Channing R. Barnett, MD

New York Dermatologist

www.barnettdermatology.com

+1

Itching after sclerotherapy is common

Itching in the region of the injections is quite common after sclerotherapy. It's not common to have itching all over, or in untreated areas. But you can apply hydrocortisone 1% (available OTC) after cool water, or take an allergy pill, to stop any associated itching from the procedure. What's happening is that the sclerotherapy solution which was injected is irritating the veins, causing them to collapse, and sometimes this does show up on the surface for a bit as itching. It's... more
F. Victor Rueckl, MD

Las Vegas Dermatologist
+1

Itching after Sclerotherapy

In your inquiry you did not specify whether your itching is generalized or localized to the site of the injection. Itching at the site of the injections is a common finding after Sclerotherapy as it is not uncommon for a mild inlammatory reaction to take place within the lining of the vessel wall. This can last a for several weeks after the injection. Generalized itching would not be nearly as uncommon and should be discussed with your physician as some of the sclerosants... more
Ted Brezel, MD

Long Island Dermatologist
+1

Itching after sclerotherapy

Itching is usually normal, but it depends on time since injection. My suspicion is that you are experiencing healing of sensory nerves that service the treated vessels, and surrounding tissue. This should subside, but may take many weeks to months. Ask your doctor to show you desensitization exercises. sek
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Itching After Sclerotherapy

Little hives or itchy spots at the injection sites are very common after sclerotherapy no matter what agent is used. This can last for a few hours. If you are having total body itching, that is not common. Having performed sclerotherapy for over 20 years, I have never had a patient complain of total body itching after this procedure.
Sheri G. Feldman, MD

Beverly Hills Dermatologist

Ask a question