Sclerotherapy

Getting Rid of Varicose & Spider Veins with Sclerotherapy

Varicose veins and spider veins affect nearly a quarter of all adults in the United States. Both varicose and spider veins are twisted, enlarged veins that appear blue or dark purple. However, varicose veins are larger than spider veins and may bulge, while spider veins are smaller, closer to the skin’s surface, and have the appearance of a spider web.

What Causes Varicose and Spider Veins?

These types of veins-that develop most commonly in the legs-are damaged due to circulation problems. More specifically, small, one-way vales inside these blood vessels weaken, and lose their ability to push blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool in the vein. Risk factors for developing varicose or spider veins include:

• A family history of varicose or spider veins
• Being over 50 years old
• Being obese
• Pregnancy
• Overexposure to the sun
• Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol regularly
• Prolonged standing or sitting while working
• Rosacea
• Smoking

What Are the Symptoms of Varicose and Spider Veins?

Although varicose and spider veins are unsightly, they are not typically dangerous. However, they may be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, which may be indicated by any of the following symptoms above and beyond cosmetic:

• Pain
• Itchiness
• Burning
• Cramps
• Swelling in the legs

Treatment for Varicose and Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy is a very common treatment for varicose and spider veins, which improves their appearance and also treats other symptoms such as swelling, burning, and aching. In Sclerotherapy, a chemical solution is injected into the damaged vein, which causes its walls to swell and then seal together, or collapse. This procedure stops the flow of blood, and the body resorbs these unsightly veins over time.

How Asclera® Is Used in Sclerotherapy

Asclera® is a prescription medicine your podiatrist uses effectively in Sclerotherapy to remove small and uncomplicated varicose veins (1-3 mm in diameter) and spider veins (less than 1 mm in diameter. The benefits of using Asclera® include:

• It has been FDA-approved since 1970
• It can be administered by your podiatrist in their office
• Sessions are relatively quick, lasting normally between 15-45 minutes
• A clinical study reports that 88% of patients being observed were very satisfied or satisfied after being treated with Asclera® for only 12 weeks.

Talk to your podiatrist to see if your varicose or spider veins can be effectively treated with Sclerotherapy using Asclera®, and to go over possible side effects.