Polidocanol is a local anaesthetic and antipruritic component of ointments and bath additives.

It relieves itching caused by eczema and dry skin.

Polidocanol is also used as a sclerosant, an irritant injected to treat varicose veins, under the trade names Asclera, Aethoxysklerol[5] and Varithena.

Polidocanol works by damaging the cell lining of blood vessels, causing them to close and eventually be replaced by other types of tissue.

This procedure should be done with caution and with the knowledge that the appearance of the leg may be forever compromised.