Int Angiol. 2026 Aug;45(4):244-249. doi: 10.23736/S0392-9590.26.05505-7.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation (PSH) is a frequent and distressing complication. It is a cosmetic concern in aesthetic phlebology, with limited prospective efficacy/safety data. Skin hydration with moisturizer strengthens the skin barrier and may potentially prevent postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation.
METHODS: This prospective, randomized, comparative study included 55 adult patients with reticular veins and telangiectasias. Patients were randomized to receive a daily moisturizer for 30 days before sclerotherapy or to no hydration. All participants underwent a single session of polidocanol 0.5% sclerotherapy. The primary efficacy outcome was moisturization’s ability to prevent PSH, as evaluated by blinded evaluators using photos taken before and after procedures. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported outcomes assessed using the VEINES-QoL/Sym questionnaire.
RESULTS: Both groups experienced hyperpigmentation. PSH appeared in fewer patients who received hydration (44% vs. 57%, P=0.423), with no statistically significant difference. No skin alterations occurred at any time point. Nine patients (90%) rated the results as «very good» or «excellent».
CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized, double-arm, prospective, pilot study, the use of moisturizer 30 days before polidocanol 0.5% sclerotherapy did not reduce PSH.
PMID:42803197 | DOI:10.23736/S0392-9590.26.05505-7
