Why Your Varicose Veins Itch and What to Do About It
We all know that varicose veins can be painful and unsightly, in addition to causing discomfort and making your legs feel bloated and heavy. But did you also know that they can also make your skin itch? It is true. So why do varicose veins itch, and what can be done about it? Read on to find out the answer.
Histamine Response
Why varicose veins itch is actually an easy question to answer. Since varicose veins are generally located close to the skin’s surface, your body’s response to them is to produce histamine–the same hormone that is released when the skin has an allergic reaction. You see, these veins have valves that are damaged, which means that they have trouble directing blood back toward the heart. And because these veins are not working the way they are supposed to, your body, by way of your skin, goes into overdrive trying to fix them. Thus, your brain interprets the histamine response as an itch.
The Urge to Scratch
The most common reaction to an itch is of course to scratch. But that can actually make your condition worse, by traumatizing the vein. A vicious cycle then starts, in which the more you scratch, the more damage you do, and the more histamine your body sends to the rescue. You guessed it, more itchiness.
Controlling Your Itchy Varicose Veins
So, first off, if you want to control your itchy varicose veins, you have to avoid scratching them. No matter how hard that may seem, that is the simplest way to keep the irritation under control. Beyond that, addressing the underlying problem becomes paramount.
Seeing a Varicose Vein Specialist
Now that you know why varicose veins itch, it is time to do something about it. A vein specialist diagnoses your condition and gives you strategies that will help with the discomfort. He or she may tell you to exercise, wear compression stockings, and keep your feet elevated while you are resting or lying down. They can also recommend long-term solutions like radio-frequency ablation or sclerotherapy. Call Grand Junction Vein Center right away to set up an appointment and get on the path to vein wellness.
