Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy with polidocanol foam in the treatment of superficial venous malformation (VM). Methods From January 2013 to April 2014, 17 superficial VM patients were treated by sclerotherapy. The polidocanol foam was produced by Tessari ’s method (liquid∶air=1∶4). The concentration of polidocanol used was 1%. Sclerotherapy was repeated at an interval of 4 weeks. Therapeutic outcomes were evaluated by color and size of lesions. Side-effects were both recorded during treatment and after treatment. Results The average number of sessions was 3.06. The results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 7 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 2 cases. Side effects including swelling, pain and transient hyperpigmentation were observed. Conclusion Sclerotherapy with polidocanol foam for superficial venous malformation is effective and safe without severe side effects.