Medically reviewed by Leslie Cunningham, MD, PhD, on August 15, 2025
Itchy varicose veins can be more than just annoying; they're a common and uncomfortable symptom of venous insufficiency. When the blood delivered to your skin isn't being returned to your heart efficiently, it can lead to pooling of the blood in the leg veins, elevated venous pressures, leg swelling, inflammation, and skin irritation that triggers itching. While it may seem like a minor issue at first, persistent itching is often a sign that your veins aren't functioning properly.
In this blog, Dr. Leslie Cunningham, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinics in Saginaw, Lansing, and Midland, Michigan, breaks down what causes itchy varicose veins, what that itching means, and how to find relief, both at home and with help from a vein specialist.
Ready to stop scratching and start healing? Schedule your consultation with CVR today and get expert care tailored to your vein health.
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Not in Dr. Cunningham’s area? Call our Patient Services Representatives at 240-965-3915 to schedule your appointment or click below to book online at a CVR vein clinic near you.
First, it's important to recognize that the itch associated with varicose veins can be more than just surface-level. It's often a sign that malfunctioning veins are affecting the surrounding tissue. When the small one-way valves inside your leg veins aren't working correctly, blood begins to pool under the influence of gravity, increasing pressure within the veins and causing them to leak fluid and even red blood cells into the surrounding tissue, triggering localized swelling and inflammation. Over time, this chronic inflammation can irritate the skin, making it dry, red, or itchy.
This chronic inflammation is associated with:
The bottom line? Persistent itching associated with varicose veins can be much more than a skin issue. It can be your body's signal that your veins need medical attention.
Persistent itching around your varicose veins can be an early sign of chronic venous insufficiency, a progressive condition that, if left untreated, can lead to:
Increased risk of skin infections
It's important to know if your symptoms are more than just bothersome. Itching combined with swelling, heaviness, or skin changes that do not resolve quickly should be taken seriously and evaluated by a vein specialist.
While treating the underlying vein issue is the most effective solution, there are steps you can take at home to manage discomfort and protect your skin in the meantime temporarily:
Medical-grade compression socks and leggings are unique garments designed to support your veins, improve circulation, and reduce both itching and swelling. Talk to your CVR vein doctor about the right compression level for your condition. You can be measured to ensure a good fit, which is critical for you to be comfortable in compression garments. If you cannot find compression garments that fit you well enough to use regularly to prevent symptoms, you can elevate your legs, which lowers the pressure in the veins and often provides some temporary symptom relief.
Use a gentle and fragrance-free moisturizing cream to combat dry skin. Regular moisturizing can help soothe irritation and support the skin barrier, especially in areas overlying varicose veins.
If you visit your primary care provider or a dermatologist for your symptoms, they may recommend medicated creams to manage the skin inflammation. According to Healthline, a corticosteroid or calcineurin inhibitor cream can transiently reduce inflammation in your legs and ease the itching, but if the symptoms are due to venous insufficiency, you won't get a lasting result without treating the veins themselves.
Yes, it's hard to resist the urge to scratch, and although it may offer temporary relief, scratching can harm your skin and raise your risk of infection. Instead, apply a cool compress to the area or gently pat or press the skin to dull the sensation.
While these approaches won't cure varicose veins, they can make day-to-day life more comfortable while you navigate longer-term solutions.
If itching persists despite home care, it's time to consider treatment that addresses the root cause. Fortunately, professional vein treatments are safe, minimally invasive, and performed in an outpatient setting.
Procedures that close or remove the damaged veins can restore healthier circulation and stop the source of the itching, providing results that last. These include:
Also called laser ablation, EVLT uses laser energy delivered through a small fiber inserted into the vein. The heat from the laser causes the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. Blood is naturally rerouted to healthier veins.
Similar to EVLT, radiofrequency ablation uses radiofrequency energy rather than laser. A small catheter is placed into the vein, and thermal energy is used to close it.
Sclerotherapy has been widely used for many years in the treatment of smaller varicose and spider veins for cosmetic purposes. Chemical ablation with Varithena foam (a form of sclerotherapy) can now be used to treat larger veins as an alternative to thermal ablation techniques (EVLT and RFA). A foam solution is injected directly into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and scar closed. The body absorbs the closed vein over time, and blood flows through healthy veins rather than pooling in veins with malfunctioning valves.
VenaSeal is another non-thermal treatment that uses a medical adhesive to close the diseased vein. The glue is delivered via a catheter, and no heat is required.
All of these treatments are considered low-risk and are tailored to your specific vein health and goals. Your vein specialist will work with you to determine which option is best for you based on the size and location of your varicose veins, your symptoms, and your overall health.
It's common to wonder whether your symptoms are severe enough for medical attention. However, waiting will only lead to worsening discomfort or unnecessary complications. If you're experiencing any concerning signs, it's best to consult a vein specialist. Reach out if:
Even if the symptoms seem mild, early assessment and treatment can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Remember, the problems associated with itchy varicose veins can be more than skin deep. Itchy varicose veins can be an early sign that your circulation may need attention. While moisturizers, topical anti-inflammatories, leg elevation, and compression can help in the short term, true relief comes from treating the underlying vein condition.
Whether you're first noticing symptoms or you've been dealing with itching for a while, you don't have to manage it alone. Expert consultation with the availability of safe and effective minimally invasive treatments can get you feeling better without the need for long recovery times.
Take the next step toward itch relief and vein health by scheduling a consultation with CVR today. Call our Patient Services Representatives at 240- 965-3915 to book your appointment at a CVR vein clinic near you. You can also click below to conveniently schedule your appointment online.
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