Sclerotherapy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
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Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat spider veins and varicose veins. Varicose veins are usually in the legs and are enlarged and twisted. During sclerotherapy, a chemical solution is injected into the vein. This causes the vein to irritate and swell, then scar. The scarring forces the blood to travel through different, healthier veins. The varicose vein then fades.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US):

• You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
• Your throat feels swollen and you have trouble breathing.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have severe pain or swelling.
• Your leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

Call your doctor if:

• You have new dark or discolored skin patches around the injection site.
• You have swelling near your groin.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
• You have small open sores at the injection site.
• You see red streaks in your groin.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Medicines:

You may need the following:

• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Care for the injection site as directed:

Wash the injection site with mild soap and lukewarm water.

Self-care:

• Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs unless your doctor says it is okay.
• Do not take hot showers, baths, or sit in a sauna or hot tub for 2 days. The heat can make your veins swell and slow the healing process. You can shower or bathe, but make sure the water is lukewarm.
• Walk every day for 30 minutes if you can. Break it up into 10-minute sessions throughout the day if you need to. Avoid heavy lifting, running, or intense workouts for 1 week to prevent irritation and swelling.
• Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Staying hydrated helps keep blood flowing well through your veins. This helps prevent blood clots.
• Do not apply lotion or shave your legs until the injection site heals. This will prevent infection and irritation.
• Avoid direct sunlight and do not use tanning beds. Sun exposure can cause brown spots or lines on your skin and slow down the healing process. To protect your skin, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, or wear pants if you go outside.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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