Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is most often used to treat varicose veins. Varicose veins are also known as chronic venous insufficiency.

Varicose veins occur when the veins swell and bulge, usually in the legs. This is due to weak vein walls that, in turn, weaken the vein valves. As a result, blood pools up the veins, causing them to swell and look different.

Varicose veins may be painful and can cause skin issues, including rashes. By shrinking the veins, sclerotherapy reduces the effects of vein damage, making varicose veins less visible and less painful.

Sclerotherapy is also used to treat some other conditions, including:

Malformed lymph vessels. These are vessels that carry lymphatic fluid or lymph, which helps the immune system fight infections.
Hemorrhoids. Sclerotherapy may be used when other treatments fail. Hemorrhoids occur when blood vessels, surrounding the rectum, swell and become irritated, causing pain and making bowel movements uncomfortable.
Hydroceles. A hydrocele is an unhealthy development of fluid in a body cavity. Hydroceles are common in the testicles.