Why Do My Varicose Veins Itch?

Medically reviewed by Robert J. Anderson, MD, RVT, RPVI, on October 3, 2025

Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic change in the skin. They bring on uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling, and sometimes a frustrating, persistent itching sensation. If you have ever wondered why itching can be symptomatic of varicose veins, you are not alone. The short answer is this: varicose veins itch because relatively stagnant blood inside the vein causes inflammation, which irritates the surrounding skin.

That said, itchy skin itself has various causes, and varicose vein itching is much different from simple dry skin or other forms of irritation. It’s connected to the way blood flows in your legs and your overall vein function. In this blog, Robert J. Anderson, MD, RVT, RPVI, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) in Springfield, MA, explores the specific causes of varicose vein itching and how to find relief through home remedies and professional vein treatments.

If your veins are bothering you or making your skin itch, don’t wait any longer to schedule a consultation with CVR. Our experienced vein doctors can explain your options and help you find lasting relief. Call our Patient Services Representatives at 240-965-3915 to make your appointment or click the button below to access our ONLINE SCHEDULING PORTAL and book your consultation today at one of our 120+ vein clinics nationwide.

Poor Circulation and Varicose Vein Itching: What’s the Connection?

One of the main reasons varicose veins itch is poor circulation. Healthy veins direct blood back toward the heart smoothly. Varicose veins, however, develop when the valves inside the veins grow weak. As a result, instead of flowing upward toward the heart, blood collects in the vein and increases pressure. This is called venous reflux, also known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

In turn, inflammation occurs when blood slows in the vein. That inflammation can irritate the surrounding skin and lead to itching. Over time, the skin above varicose veins can become dry, thin, or even discolored. The irritation you feel is not only at the surface but also coming from what is happening inside the vein.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, poor circulation reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Without healthy blood flow, the skin becomes more fragile and sensitive. This combination of inflammation and poor nourishment makes itching a common and often persistent symptom of varicose veins.

Vein-Related Itching: The Role of Lifestyle Factors

Certain daily habits and lifestyle factors can make itching worse, such as:

• Prolonged standing or sitting: Staying in one position for too long allows blood to pool in the veins. People who stand all day, such as teachers, nurses, or retail workers, often notice more intense itching by evening. Desk jobs can also increase pressure in the leg veins.
• Heat exposure: Warm weather, hot showers, or tight clothing can cause veins to dilate and worsen irritation.
• Dehydration: Dry skin becomes more likely to itch. Drinking enough fluids throughout the day helps reduce this risk.
• Excess weight: Carrying extra pounds places more strain on the veins and can lead to additional swelling.
• Pregnancy: The growing uterus and hormonal changes increase pressure on leg veins, making itching more common.
• Diet: High salt intake can cause fluid retention and add stress to the veins. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and anti-inflammatory foods supports vein health and skin integrity.
• Movement: Regular activity helps prevent blood from pooling. Even taking simple steps, such as flexing your ankles at your desk, encourages better circulation and reduces itching.

Itchy Varicose Veins: Finding Safe Relief

An important note: scratching can break the skin and raise the risk of infection, so make sure to reach for safer, gentler options. A simple moisturizer or cream can soothe the surface, and medical-grade compression can improve circulation and reduce swelling. Elevating your legs and gentle massages can also improve comfort. 

Remember that while these measures will temporarily ease symptoms, they don’t correct the underlying vein problem, which needs addressing to stop the itching for good.

How Modern Vein Treatments Provide Long-Term Itching Relief

If scratching is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, pain, or skin changes, it is time to see a vein specialist. The good news is that modern vein treatments not only improve circulation but also address itching and other uncomfortable symptoms, such as swelling and leg heaviness. These procedures are minimally invasive, done right in the office, and involve little recovery time:

• Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT): Uses laser energy to gently heat and seal the faulty vein, redirecting blood into healthier veins.
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Works in a similar way to EVLT, but uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser heat.
• Sclerotherapy: Involves injecting a safe medical solution into the affected vein, causing it to close and gradually fade from view.
• VenaSeal: Uses a special medical adhesive to seal the diseased vein, rerouting blood flow to healthy veins.

These procedures differ in how they’re performed, but they each reduce inflammation and restore healthier blood flow by treating the underlying cause of poor circulation. As a result, the skin becomes less irritated, the itch subsides, and the overall appearance and health of the legs improve.

Many patients experience noticeable relief from itching and discomfort within just a few weeks, though cosmetic improvements can take longer. Along with reduced itching, symptoms including heaviness, swelling, and leg pain also improve.

Can Varicose Vein Itching Lead to Skin Damage?

Finally, it’s critical to recognize that ongoing itching from varicose veins can lead to serious skin problems if left untreated. The urge to scratch may seem harmless at first, but repeated scratching can cause tiny breaks in the skin, which makes the area more vulnerable to infection, rashes, or sores over time.

In more advanced vein disease cases, poor circulation can cause a condition called stasis dermatitis, making the legs look red, scaly, or darker in color and feel very itchy. Without treatment, the skin may weaken so much that ulcers or open wounds start to form.

If you notice changes in the texture, color, or health of the skin around your varicose veins, it is a clear signal to seek professional care. Treating the veins early not only stops the itch but also protects your skin from lasting damage.

Find Lasting Relief from Itchy Varicose Veins with Care from CVR

There’s no doubt about it: itchy varicose veins signal an underlying vein issue. Address triggers for comfort now, but make sure to treat the faulty veins for lasting relief.

The specialists at CVR are dedicated to helping you feel comfortable and confident again. Our safe, quick, and effective treatments make it possible to leave itchy, uncomfortable varicose veins behind and restore the health of your legs. Call our Patient Services Representatives at 240-965-3915 to book your consultation or click the button below to use our ONLINE SCHEDULING PORTAL.