What does sclerotherapy treat?

Spider veins are small visible red, blue, or purple vessels near the skin surface. Sclerotherapy is commonly considered for these veins and may also be used for selected small varicose veins, depending on their size, depth, blood flow, and symptoms. A clinician may examine the legs and decide whether imaging is needed before treatment.

The injected sclerosant solution makes the treated vessel seal. Blood then uses healthier nearby pathways, while the closed vein gradually becomes less visible. Sclerotherapy does not correct every cause of leg swelling, aching, skin colour change, or inflammation. Stasis dermatitis can signal an underlying circulation problem that needs evaluation rather than cosmetic treatment alone.

Tell the clinician about leg pain, swelling, skin changes, previous vein treatment, medicines, and any history of clots. After treatment, follow instructions about walking, compression, bathing, and sun exposure. Do not massage or squeeze treated areas unless advised. Temporary tenderness, bruising, or a firm cord along a treated vein can occur, but your care team should explain what is expected for you.

Contact the clinic promptly for worsening pain, increasing redness or warmth, marked swelling, skin breakdown, or a spreading rash. Seek urgent care for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, faintness, or one-sided leg swelling and pain. These symptoms need medical assessment and should not be attributed to routine injection-site soreness.

Ask whether your veins are suitable for sclerotherapy, whether a circulation assessment is needed, and what alternative treatment might fit their size and location. Ask how many visits may be considered, how to use compression if advised, and which changes require a same-day call.