Can varicose veins itch or burn? 

Yes, varicose veins can frequently cause intense itching or a burning sensation in the skin surrounding the affected area. This discomfort is often a sign of a condition called venous eczema or stasis dermatitis, which develops when stagnant blood in the veins causes inflammatory chemicals to leak into the nearby tissues. These sensations are usually more pronounced after long periods of standing or in warm weather. 

What We will cover in This Article 

• The biological reason behind the itching and burning sensations 

• Understanding venous eczema and how it relates to vein damage 

• Why these symptoms often worsen in heat or during the evening 

• Identifying the difference between a simple skin rash and vein issues 

• How scratching can lead to further complications like skin ulcers 

• Practical ways to soothe irritated skin and improve circulation 

Why Vein Problems Cause Skin Irritation 

Itching and burning are not just surface-level skin issues; they are indicators of what is happening inside the venous system. When the valves in your veins fail, blood begins to pool in the lower legs. This stagnant blood increases the pressure on the delicate walls of the capillaries the smallest blood vessels in your body. 

As this pressure builds, fluid and small amounts of blood can leak out into the surrounding skin tissue. The body treats this leaked fluid as a foreign substance, triggering an inflammatory response. This inflammation irritates the sensory nerve endings in the skin, which the brain interprets as a persistent itch or a burning, stinging feeling. 

Understanding Venous Eczema 

If the itching is accompanied by redness, dryness, or scaly skin, it may have progressed to venous eczema. Unlike standard eczema or an allergic reaction, this type of skin irritation is caused entirely by the underlying circulation problem. 

Symptom	Appearance and Feel
Intense Itching	Often feels like it is ‘deep’ within the skin rather than on the surface.
Burning Sensation	A feeling of warmth or stinging, especially over the bulging vein itself.
Skin Discolouration	Red or reddish-brown patches, usually located around the ankles.
Texture Changes	The skin may become dry, scaly, or eventually hard and leathery.

This condition is a warning sign that the circulation in the leg is under significant stress. Because the skin is not receiving proper nutrients from fresh blood flow, and waste products are not being removed efficiently, the skin’s ability to heal itself is compromised. 

Triggers That Worsen the Sensation 

Many people find that the itching or burning is not constant but is triggered by specific environmental or lifestyle factors. 

• Heat Exposure: Warmth causes blood vessels to dilate, which allows more blood to pool and increases the inflammatory leak into the skin. This is why many find symptoms worse after a hot bath or during summer. 

• Prolonged Inactivity: Sitting or standing still for long periods prevents the calf muscle pump from moving blood, leading to a peak in internal pressure. 

• Evening Timing: By the end of the day, gravity has had hours to pull blood into the lower legs, making evening the most common time for itching to flare up. 

• Tight Clothing: Socks with tight elastic bands or restrictive trousers can trap heat and further irritate sensitive skin. 

Risks of Scratching and Long-Term Damage 

While it is natural to want to scratch an itch, doing so with venous eczema can be dangerous. Because the circulation in the area is poor, the skin is thinner and more fragile than normal. 

Scratching can easily cause small breaks in the skin. Because the blood supply is not optimal, these tiny wounds take much longer to heal and are highly susceptible to infection (cellulitis). In advanced cases, even a small scratch can develop into a venous leg ulcer a chronic wound that can take months of specialist treatment to resolve. 

My final conclusion 

Itching and burning are common and significant symptoms of varicose veins, caused by the leakage of fluid into the skin tissues due to high venous pressure. These sensations are the body’s way of signaling that the circulation in the legs is struggling. Managing the underlying vein health through movement and elevation is the best way to reduce this irritation and protect the long-term health of your skin. 

If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, call 999 immediately. This is particularly important if you notice a vein becoming suddenly hard and painful, or if you have sudden swelling in only one leg. 

Authority Snapshot 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.