Background

Sclerotherapy is a therapeutic technique in which a concentrated salt solution (sodium chloride) is injected into certain veins in order to destroy spider veins or varicose veins. Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities, are small, thin veins located near the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it. Occasionally, spider veins appear on the face. Varicose veins are larger (usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter), darker in color, and tend to bulge more than spider veins. Varicose veins are also more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders. Some varicose veins may require surgery or laser therapy to remove.

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Safety Safety definitions

Pregnancy And Lactation: There is insufficient reliable evidence about the safety of sclerotherapy in pregnancy and lactation. Avoid using.

Effectiveness Effectiveness definitions

Although clinical research about the effectiveness of sclerotherapy is lacking, it has been used since the 1930s for ablating varicose veins.

Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Dosing & administration

Adverse effects

Dermatologic: There were reports of skin discoloration, telangiectatic matting, rashes, itching, and scars after sclerotherapy.

General: While typically well-tolerated, blood clots, skin discoloration, severe inflammation, telangiectatic matting, allergic reactions, itching, and scars have been reported during and/or after sclerotherapy.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

ASPIRINInteraction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Severity: Moderate Occurrence: Possible Level of evidence: DAspirin may interfere with the effects of sclerotherapy. Advise patients not to take aspirin 48 hours before or after sclerotherapy, and to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead.

NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Severity: Moderate Occurrence: Possible Level of evidence: DIbuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may interfere with the effects of sclerotherapy. Advise patients not to take NSAIDs 48 hours before or after sclerotherapy and to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead.

PREDNISONEInteraction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Severity: Moderate Occurrence: Probable Level of evidence: DPrednisone may interfere with the effects of sclerotherapy. If prednisone can be safely discontinued, it is advisable that patients do not take prednisone 48 hours before or after sclerotherapy.

TETRACYCLINE ANTIBIOTICSInteraction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Severity: Moderate Occurrence: Possible Level of evidence: DTetracycline may stain the skin if taken 7-10 days before or after sclerotherapy. Separate therapies by 7-10 days.

MINOCYCLINE (MINOCIN)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Severity: Moderate Occurrence: Possible Level of evidence: DMinocycline (Minocin) may stain the skin if taken 7-10 days before or after sclerotherapy. Separate therapies by 7-10 days.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

None known.

Interactions with foods

None known.

Interactions with lab tests

Interactions with diseases

Mechanism of action

Sclerotherapy is a therapeutic technique in which a sodium chloride solution is injected into spider or varicose veins to remove them. This solution is intended to inflame and thicken the lining of the varicose or spider vessel which theoretically results in a diminished blood supply and finally the obliteration of the vessel. The vessel then becomes scar tissue and decreases in size due to normal body processes. With the obliterating the varicose or spider vein should theoretically remove the pain experienced due this vessel.