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New Cough & Cold Line

Due to the increase in respiratory illness in our community -- flu, RSV and COVID-19 -- ChristianaCare has set up a new COUGH & COLD LINE to help you out! If you are 18 and older and don’t feel well, CALL 302-623-7400, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Through a series of prompts, the ChristianaCare COUGH & COLD LINE will provide helpful info on how best to manage your cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms at home. We’ll also guide you on when you should seek care.

Through the ChristianaCare COUGH & COLD LINE, we can help connect you with a ChristianaCare virtual primary care provider.

If your need is more urgent, there are 16 ChristianaCare Go-Health Urgent Care Centers in DE and MD. Save your spot in line or set up a virtual visit.

Weather Alert - Mobile Health Bus

Due to weather conditions, the Mobile Health bus will not be available to see patients on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

Vascular Health

Sclerotherapy

Treating varicose veins and spider veins

About How It Works Risks Is It for Me? Results Consultations

About Sclerotherapy

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that often occur in the legs. They can be unsightly and even uncomfortable, causing aching, swelling, burning, and cramping at night. A smaller, milder form of varicose veins, known as spider veins, are also quite common.

For larger varicose veins, compression stockings and weight loss are often suggested. But when it comes to treating spider veins and smaller varicose veins, Sclerotherapy is the method of choice.

It’s a minimally invasive procedure, done right in your doctor’s office with no need for anesthesia. A single sclerotherapy injection session can last from 15 to 45 minutes.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

Sclerotherapy uses a needle to inject a solution into the affected veins. This solution causes the varicose or spider veins to scar and to fade over time.

This fading can take a few weeks to over a month, and more than one treatment may sometimes be needed.

What are the Risks of Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy vein injections usually have few serious complications. Some short-term side effects may occur, but usually go away in a few days to a few weeks. These include:

Bruising
Hives
Small sores
Darkened skin
Visible tiny red blood vessels

How do I know if I Need Sclerotherapy?

A ChristianaCare provider will perform a physical examination, sometimes combined with an ultrasound. This helps them map out your veins, decide how many vein injections are needed, and make sure that sclerotherapy is a suitable option for you.

For more serious cases and larger varicose veins, sclerotherapy injections may not be an option and your provider can discuss alternative treatment options.

What Results Can I Expect?

The smallest varicose veins and spider veins usually fade in three to six weeks, but larger veins can take three to four months. This also depends on how many treatments you receive.

Veins that have been treated with sclerotherapy generally don’t come back, but new ones can sometimes appear.

Schedule a Consultation

If you think you may have varicose veins or spider veins and would like to learn more about treatment options, we can help. Schedule an appointment with a ChristianaCare provider.

ChristianaCare Vascular Specialists

Center for Heart & Vascular Health
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road
Suite 1E20
Newark, DE 19713

Get directions and find out more

Call 302-733-5700, prompt 2