My mother's doctor recommended an iodine therapy to treat her varicose veins, is this the appropriate treatment or is there something better?

My mother has been suffering from varicose veins since she was born. She is now 49 years old. We are Chinese. The Chinese doctor we consulted with suggested a therapy using iodine, but my mother has thyromegaly (an enlarged thyroid gland). Is this the appropriate treatment for her or are there better therapies? Please advise.

Answers from doctors (8)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 26, 2018

I would definitely avoid doing the described procedure. Varicose veins usually come from a valve reflux situation which is usually inherited. She should be evaluated by a Board Certified Vascular surgeon including ultrasound to determine the underlying cause. Treatments today are minimally invasive, done in the Surgeon's office under local anesthetic. This is standard of care in the USA. Without treating the underlying problem, anything done on the surface with be ineffective or even get worse. It is important to look at the whole venous system first.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

I would definitely avoid doing the described procedure. Varicose veins usually come from a valve reflux situation which is usually inherited. She should be evaluated by a Board Certified Vascular surgeon including ultrasound to determine the underlying cause. Treatments today are minimally invasive, done in the Surgeon's office under local anesthetic. This is standard of care in the USA. Without treating the underlying problem, anything done on the surface with be ineffective or even get worse. It is important to look at the whole venous system first.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Aug 19, 2013

Varicose vein disease is an inherited defect in the venous valves within the lumen of a person's veins. These valves, in essence, allow your body to pump blood back towards the heart against gravity. Without them, all your blood would just pool in the legs. That said, since vein disease is a mechanical defect in these valves, purely taking a pill or elixir will not fix the vein issues. Modern non-surgical treatment techniques are now available for the treatment of your mom's varicose vein issues. What treatment your mom would require would ultimately be determined by what kind of vein issues your mom has. Your mom really needs a thorough ultrasound of her leg veins to determine what treatment options she would need.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Varicose vein disease is an inherited defect in the venous valves within the lumen of a person's veins. These valves, in essence, allow your body to pump blood back towards the heart against gravity. Without them, all your blood would just pool in the legs. That said, since vein disease is a mechanical defect in these valves, purely taking a pill or elixir will not fix the vein issues. Modern non-surgical treatment techniques are now available for the treatment of your mom's varicose vein issues. What treatment your mom would require would ultimately be determined by what kind of vein issues your mom has. Your mom really needs a thorough ultrasound of her leg veins to determine what treatment options she would need.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Aug 12, 2013

There is no role for iodine to treat varicose veins; it just wont help.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

There is no role for iodine to treat varicose veins; it just wont help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Aug 12, 2013

I can't really advise you on that since our primary doctor does not use iodine therapy in our practice. Sorry I can't be of more assistance. Good luck!

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

I can't really advise you on that since our primary doctor does not use iodine therapy in our practice. Sorry I can't be of more assistance. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Aug 12, 2013

Minimally invasive procedures (endovenous radiofrequency ablations, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy) are the way to go. Find a physician that is accredited by the American College of Phlebology and have an ultrasound to find out which treatments your mother needs. If you visit the website you are able to find physicians in your area.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Minimally invasive procedures (endovenous radiofrequency ablations, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy) are the way to go. Find a physician that is accredited by the American College of Phlebology and have an ultrasound to find out which treatments your mother needs. If you visit the website you are able to find physicians in your area.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Aug 10, 2013

Don't use iodine. She needs a venous ultrasound study of her legs. The information obtained from this exam will then direct the physician as to which treatments are best given her diagnosis. The person who treats your mother's varicose veins should be board-certified and have experience with a variety of different modalities, like ablations, sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, etc.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Don't use iodine. She needs a venous ultrasound study of her legs. The information obtained from this exam will then direct the physician as to which treatments are best given her diagnosis. The person who treats your mother's varicose veins should be board-certified and have experience with a variety of different modalities, like ablations, sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, etc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 09, 2013

Many years ago a form of iodine was used to do sclerotherapy but this is no longer considered standard of care and is not FDA approved. The treatment of varicose veins is to first do a venous ultrasound to determine the source of the veins, then close the leaking valves then either remove the veins through tiny incisions or inject them usually with polidocanol or STS.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Many years ago a form of iodine was used to do sclerotherapy but this is no longer considered standard of care and is not FDA approved. The treatment of varicose veins is to first do a venous ultrasound to determine the source of the veins, then close the leaking valves then either remove the veins through tiny incisions or inject them usually with polidocanol or STS.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Aug 09, 2013

Iodine has not been in mainstream use in over 40 years. Sclerotherapy is one effective way to treat varicose veins. The best sclerosants are polidocanol or sotradecol. When choosing a vein specialist, be sure that he/she is versed in how to use various sclerosants.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Iodine has not been in mainstream use in over 40 years. Sclerotherapy is one effective way to treat varicose veins. The best sclerosants are polidocanol or sotradecol. When choosing a vein specialist, be sure that he/she is versed in how to use various sclerosants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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