Is it normal to have a blister (sore) at an injection site for sclerotherapy?

I have a blister (sore) on my ankle after sclerotherapy treatment that won't heal—it's been almost 2 months. I've seen a dermatologist because I initially didn't associate it with the treatment. She said if I did have an injection in that area that it could happen. Don't know why it won't heal up and go away...the doctor who did the procedure has not called back yet.

Answers from doctors (4)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on May 18, 2017

It is possible you have an ulcer caused by incorrect injection into surrounding tissue instead of vein or a similar problem. An injector who is inexperienced should avoid treating ankles as the circulation is poor and risk of complication is increased. Because these are a little deeper they do take time to heal. I would recommend washing the area with regular soap and water twice a day, clean over the ulcer with a clean washcloth with some pressure. This will stimulate granulation and remove any debris from the base of the ulcer. Apply an ointment such as silvadene and keep it moist. I would recommend another practice if you have not been supported through this process.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It is possible you have an ulcer caused by incorrect injection into surrounding tissue instead of vein or a similar problem. An injector who is inexperienced should avoid treating ankles as the circulation is poor and risk of complication is increased. Because these are a little deeper they do take time to heal. I would recommend washing the area with regular soap and water twice a day, clean over the ulcer with a clean washcloth with some pressure. This will stimulate granulation and remove any debris from the base of the ulcer. Apply an ointment such as silvadene and keep it moist. I would recommend another practice if you have not been supported through this process.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on May 16, 2017

It is not normal but can happen. It is when the solution gets outside of the veins and irritates the surrounding tissues.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/777_1499907016.jpg
Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

It is not normal but can happen. It is when the solution gets outside of the veins and irritates the surrounding tissues.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

Published on May 16, 2017

Sclerotherapy has a known risk of tissue necrosis or skin breakdown. It doesn't happen very often, but it does happen. The area is generally about the size of a pencil eraser, and can start with a blister like sore that breaks open, or a dark area that sluffs off. This area has to heal from the sides in. It can take months to fully heal. Most heal without any problem or complication, but it does take time.
We like to have our patients call immediately if they develope a wound or sore of any kind so that we can follow it. If your wound is large, and your doctor will not call you back, I would contact your primary care physician so that they can monitor it.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1123_1499985123.jpg
Answered by The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

Sclerotherapy has a known risk of tissue necrosis or skin breakdown. It doesn't happen very often, but it does happen. The area is generally about the size of a pencil eraser, and can start with a blister like sore that breaks open, or a dark area that sluffs off. This area has to heal from the sides in. It can take months to fully heal. Most heal without any problem or complication, but it does take time.
We like to have our patients call immediately if they develope a wound or sore of any kind so that we can follow it. If your wound is large, and your doctor will not call you back, I would contact your primary care physician so that they can monitor it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Estea Laser & Cosmetic Center - Long Beach

Published on May 16, 2017

Blisters may occur, usually temporary. Need you need to look into the source of delayed healing (perhaps reflux?).

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/912_1499898882.jpg
Answered by Estea Laser & Cosmetic Center - Long Beach

Blisters may occur, usually temporary. Need you need to look into the source of delayed healing (perhaps reflux?).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy -11 answers
How long does it take to see spider veins vanish after Sclerotherapy? Is there any hope the veins will disappear after more time has gone by?
See More
Sclerotherapy -12 answers
I have a lot of green veins on my legs, calves, even my arms and other parts of my body. Are those on my legs reticular veins, or could they be normal veins? They are very obvious. I never had them until my pregnancy last year. I have delivered 1 year ago.
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
Why is it necessary to wear Compression Stockings after Sclerotherapy?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
I had 6 treatments of sclerotherappy one week apart. Much of the treatments were injecting "feeders". It's been over 2 months since my first treatment and my veins look worse. I have new quite dark veins that have popped up. What happened?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
Will the length of time be longer then two weeks?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
It has been 8 weeks since I had spider and 1 surface blue vein injected by vein surgeon. I still have black blue spots and the surface vein looks worse, will this correct itself or do i need more treatments/ new doc??
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I had a sclerotherapy treatment, but instead of being prescribed compression stockings, my doctor advised me to use an elastic bandage. Is the bandage just as effective as compression stockings?
See More
Sclerotherapy -12 answers
What chemicals are in the saline solution and does it have mercury in it and if not what is in it? what are the side effects if any.
See More
Sclerotherapy -4 answers
I recently just noticed that all of my veins are visible all over my body, including a few in the chest area....is this normal? I'm currently on Accutane too.
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
How long after Sclerotherapy can you get in the sun?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I just had the sclerotherapy procedure today. I would love to cut off the feet of my compression stockings. I feel like it would be much more comfortable. Would that defeat the purpose?
See More
Sclerotherapy -6 answers
How soon after sclerotherapy can I play tennis? run? dance?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
After sclerotherapy, there is a small section that is lumpy and discolored. My treating pysician does not drain these, is there any way to speed up the healing/fading of pigmentation?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
I hade sclerotherapy yesterday, but I can still see a few of the veins that were treated. How long until all the veins disappear?
See More
Sclerotherapy -13 answers
I've heard that occasionally, small lumps of clotted blood can be felt after sclerotherapy. Aren't blood clots quite dangerous?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
Will running short distances, say 2-4 miles three times per week, be of detriment to sclerotherapy procedures? What about medium distance hikes of 5-10 miles that include hills?
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
Can you go in a hot tub after sclerotherapy and how long do you have to wear the stocking for?
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I had sclerotherapy almost 4 weeks ago. My legs now ache and feel heavy as soon as I get up in the morning. I have been wearing support knee highs. How long should this last? Legs didn't feel this way before sclerotherapy.
See More
Sclerotherapy -6 answers
Would I see the results right away after Sclerotherapy treatment? If not, when wil the bruises go away? Is it normal to still see all my treated veins after 10 days?
See More
Sclerotherapy -13 answers
I had a sclerotherapy procedure for spider veins on lateral upper thigh just over two weeks ago at derm dr. Since that time, have noticed an approx. 1" wide area of tons of tiny new vessels just distal to injection sites. How long before this goes away?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR