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Itching & Burning

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Leg itching and burning are common symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Itching legs can cause distress, and prevent one from getting proper sleep. The burning sensation can worsen and make it challenging for one to walk or enjoy being active.  If you experience itching and burning legs on a regular basis, our vein specialists at one of our clinic locations can help you to regain your quality of life by creating a customized treatment plan.

Find a vein clinic near you and book a consultation with one of our experienced providers. You can call Physicians Vein Clinics at 888-782-8346 to learn more.

Causes of Legs Itching & Burning

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

If you are experiencing persistent itching and burning in your legs, it may be a result of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). CVI develops as your valves don’t function properly, causing blood to flow back to your legs, instead of to your heart.

When valves weaken or become damaged, blood flows backward and pools in the legs, ankles and feet. The condition often causes varicose veins and spider veins to develop, and the feeling of itching and burning skin.

Nerve Damage and Irritation

When small nerves in the legs are irritated or damaged, it can cause an itching and burning sensation even when the skin looks normal. This can happen with conditions like diabetes or past injuries, and can also occur with chronic vein problems like chronic venous insufficiency or severe varicose veins. The sensation may feel like pins and needles or tingling.

Skin Conditions and Dryness

Sometimes, the root cause of itching and burning is deeper, and other times it is on the surface of the skin. Dry skin and eczema can cause persistent itchy or burning skin, usually accompanied by visible skin changes. However, vein problems can sometimes cause an eczema-like skin rash called venous stasis dermatitis, so it is important to be screened for vein conditions if you notice skin changes or itching.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) reduces blood flow to the legs and can cause burning or itching, especially with walking or activity. With PAD, this symptom and others, like cramping or skin that is cool to the touch, subside with rest. The cause of itching with this condition is similar to venous diseases: a lack of circulation in the legs, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrients.

Lymphedema

Skin swelling due to lymphedema can dry out the skin and make it feel itchy. Causing the urge to scratch. The right care is important since patients with lymphedema are more likely to contract bacterial infections from cuts on the skin.

Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic condition that causes abnormal fat distribution, usually in the legs. There can be tenderness and sensitivity, along with burning and itching sensations in the affected areas.

When to See a Vein Specialist Near Me?

If you continue to feel chronic itchy sensation in your legs that is sometimes accompanied by burning sensations, there may be an underlying vein issue.

If the itching and burning discomfort is caused by chronic venous insufficiency, you might experience some other symptoms too including:

  • Restless legs
  • Leg heaviness
  • Spider veins
  • Varicose veins
  • Leg aching
  • Leg ulcers
  • Ankle and leg swelling
  • Skin discoloration
  • Skin rash like eczema
  • Muscle cramping

Why Physicians Vein Clinics

  • Board-certified vein specialists who diagnose and treat vein disease every day
  • 14 convenient vein centers across South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Minnesota
  • All vein treatments are minimally invasive and performed in-office with little to no downtime
  • Free vein screening available with no referral required, and most insurance plans accepted
Find a Vein Clinic Near Me

How Are Itchy, Burning Legs Treated?

It’s important to get a timely and accurate diagnosis of the causes before the treatment. Our team of board-certified vein doctors with years of experience can assess your problems and determine a treatment plan that best fits your needs.

Depending on your condition, different treatments will be recommended by our vein specialists. Our procedures include:

Conservative Therapy

Conservative therapy focuses on non-invasive approaches such as leg elevation, compression stockings, and regular exercise to help improve circulation and reduce symptoms. For compression to be effective, we have patients use prescription-grade compression stockings that provide 20-30 mmHg graduated compression or higher. This level of compression better supports the veins to help reduce swelling, heaviness, itching and burning.

Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (EVRF) treats venous reflux through heat energy. We place a catheter inside the vein and then use radiofrequency energy to close the offending vein and reduce abnormal backward flow.

Varithena

Varithena is a minimally invasive treatment in which a small amount of specialized foam medication is injected directly into the malfunctioning vein, causing it to close and redirect blood flow to healthier veins.

VenaSeal

This medical adhesive is inserted into the malfunctioning vein with a catheter to seal it. Once the vein is treated with VenaSeal, circulation naturally shifts to other veins. Relief of itching and burning sensations comes as pressure and swelling in the area decrease and circulation improves.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting an FDA-approved solution into problematic veins, causing them to close and fade over time.

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

When we need greater precision, we use ultrasound technology to precisely guide our treatment of diseased veins. During this type of sclerotherapy, we introduce a medicated foam solution into the vein to close it, while ultrasound technology guides us to the right vein.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny incisions or a fine needle to remove varicose veins located just beneath the surface of the skin.

Find a Clinic Near You

Persistent itching or burning sensations in the legs can be signs of underlying vein issues that aren’t always visible on the surface. If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort, irritation, or unexplained sensations, scheduling a free screening with one of our providers is an important first step. At Physicians Vein Clinics, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause of itching and burning and recommend appropriate treatment options, all while providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Schedule your initial screening today—we look forward to helping you find lasting relief.

Call 888-782-8346

Find a Clinic Near You

FAQs about Itching and Burning

How is the cause of itching and burning diagnosed?

This symptom is diagnosed through a medical history, physical exam and a vascular ultrasound when appropriate. During your appointment, we look at your veins and assess your circulation, and we determine whether there are any skin changes pointing to underlying venous insufficiency or other conditions.

What lifestyle changes can prevent itching and burning from getting worse?

Daily movement and leg elevation are both important for supporting healthy circulation and preventing certain vein conditions. Compression stockings can prevent itching and burning from worsening, and other healthy lifestyle habits like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting can reduce vein pressure.

Why do my legs itch more at night?

Your legs may itch more at night because of fluid accumulating throughout the day and increased venous pressure after a full day upright. When you lie down, changes in circulation and skin temperature can make nerve sensitivity more noticeable.

Can untreated vein problems lead to skin damage?

Yes, untreated vein problems can lead to progressive skin changes, including thickened skin, discoloration and open wounds. Addressing vein dysfunction early is important to reduce the risk of long-term skin damage and other complications.