I've experienced severe itching after removing my compression socks, am I caring for the problem appropriately?

I had severe itching after removing my compression socks. The scratching would cause a reaction in the form of inflamed, burning bumps. I now wear knee-high hose under my socks and treat myself with Benadryl tablets and Cortison cream. Am I doing the right thing?

Answers from doctors (9)


The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

Published on Jan 01, 2018

Compression hose should not cause red inflamed bumps. That sounds more like contact dermatitis than something associated with varicose veins. I would suggest seeing a dermatologist or your PCP. In the meantime try a different brand of compression hose and/or changing your laundry detergent.

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Answered by The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

Compression hose should not cause red inflamed bumps. That sounds more like contact dermatitis than something associated with varicose veins. I would suggest seeing a dermatologist or your PCP. In the meantime try a different brand of compression hose and/or changing your laundry detergent.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 01, 2018

Your hose should be correctly measured and fitted by a certified fitter. They should be of a medical grade and good quality. It is rare to have a reaction to these. Additionally you should ensure your skin is well hydrated with an appropriate lotion such as EPIONCE medical barrier cream or the Extreme barrier cream. It's available in some medical offices. Best applied after a shower. I would avoid using hydrocortisone cream for more than a few days as it can end up causing and increasing symptoms. There are also many types of compression fabric blend such as cotton and wool. Wearing under socks is fine. Avoid fragrances in detergent or body soaps and lotions

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Your hose should be correctly measured and fitted by a certified fitter. They should be of a medical grade and good quality. It is rare to have a reaction to these. Additionally you should ensure your skin is well hydrated with an appropriate lotion such as EPIONCE medical barrier cream or the Extreme barrier cream. It's available in some medical offices. Best applied after a shower. I would avoid using hydrocortisone cream for more than a few days as it can end up causing and increasing symptoms. There are also many types of compression fabric blend such as cotton and wool. Wearing under socks is fine. Avoid fragrances in detergent or body soaps and lotions

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Feb 07, 2014

It sounds like you have a sensitivity to the compression stockings. Normally, it is not uncommon for people to experience some itching right after taking their stockings off. However, most people do not have inflamed, burning bumps on their legs. That suggests a slightly more hyperactive response. You probably should look for another pair of stockings that may have less latex it it, or not wear the stockings at all. If the stockings were prescribed to you by your a doctor following vein treatment and you desire to no longer wear them, discuss this with your doctor. Because you have not mentioned whether you had vein treatment and, if so, how long ago the treatment was performed, you should have a talk with your doctor to determine if discontinuing stockings is appropriate at this point in time.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

It sounds like you have a sensitivity to the compression stockings. Normally, it is not uncommon for people to experience some itching right after taking their stockings off. However, most people do not have inflamed, burning bumps on their legs. That suggests a slightly more hyperactive response. You probably should look for another pair of stockings that may have less latex it it, or not wear the stockings at all. If the stockings were prescribed to you by your a doctor following vein treatment and you desire to no longer wear them, discuss this with your doctor. Because you have not mentioned whether you had vein treatment and, if so, how long ago the treatment was performed, you should have a talk with your doctor to determine if discontinuing stockings is appropriate at this point in time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Jan 25, 2014

Is your brand of compression stocking latex-free? You should check, since it sounds like you have dermatitis from the stocking.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Is your brand of compression stocking latex-free? You should check, since it sounds like you have dermatitis from the stocking.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Jan 16, 2014

The treatment you mention is appropriate. However, your description of the inflamed, burning bumps suggests you may be allergic to some component of the stocking material. See your treating physician about this to be sure.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

The treatment you mention is appropriate. However, your description of the inflamed, burning bumps suggests you may be allergic to some component of the stocking material. See your treating physician about this to be sure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jan 13, 2014

You may be allergic to the material in that hose.



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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You may be allergic to the material in that hose.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jan 12, 2014

Yes, you are doing the right thing. Also, keep the skin well moisturized.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes, you are doing the right thing. Also, keep the skin well moisturized.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jan 11, 2014

You should not have this kind of reaction from your compression hose. I would recommend seeing what is the cause of the allergy. It could be a component of the stocking. Perhaps trying another brand of support hose would solve your problem. Your self-treatment is appropriate, but does not solve the problem.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

You should not have this kind of reaction from your compression hose. I would recommend seeing what is the cause of the allergy. It could be a component of the stocking. Perhaps trying another brand of support hose would solve your problem. Your self-treatment is appropriate, but does not solve the problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Jan 10, 2014

You may be sensitive to the material of the stockings.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

You may be sensitive to the material of the stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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