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Medical Author:

Shabir Bhimji, MD

Coauthor:

Amy Smookler, MD

Coauthor:

Mara Aloi, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Sclerotherapy

involves injecting a chemical inside the vein that obliterates it and causes it to scar.

• Sclerotherapy is not completely successful in aleviating symptoms, and preventing formation of more varicose veins.
• Complications associated with sclerotherapy include allergic reactions to the chemical used, stinging or burning at the various injection sites, inflammation, skin ulcerations, and permanent discoloration of the skin.
• Bandages often remain in place for as long as three weeks.
• Wearing compression stockings is usually recommended after sclerotherapy.
• Doctors who perform this procedure must have specialized training and experience in order to avoid complications.

Lasers

Lasers are also used as a treatment for varicose veins, but are frequently used in the treatment of smaller veins, medically referred to as telangiectasias.

• These veins are small, measuring only up to 1 millimeter in diameter, and represent dilated capillaries.
• Using lasers to treat these smaller vessels can cause changes in the color or texture of the skin.
• Multiple treatments are often required.
• The technique is less helpful in the treatment of larger varicosities.

If a person have superficial thrombophlebitis, a health care professional will usually recommend warm compresses and pain medication. Additional treatment depends on whether the physician thinks the patient may have an infection.

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Phlebitis Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein. Superficial phlebitis affects the veins on the surface of the skin. Deep vein thrombophlebitis affects the larger veins...learn more >>

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