Varicose veins are a pathological process that is characterized by the expansion of blood transport vessels to the heart, their deformation and the development of valve insufficiency with subsequent dysfunction. A clear sign of the disease are veins protruding on the surface of the skin, their tuberosity and the appearance of trophic ulcers.
But the main danger for varicose veins is blood stagnation and the development of thrombophlebitis, that is, circulatory disorders. For a complete treatment of the disease, a number of measures are used, among which drug therapy and surgery are the most sought-after and effective. In addition, very often, as an auxiliary treatment, ointments and gels for varicose veins are used, and we will talk about them.
Purpose and types of ointments for varicose veins
First of all, I would like to point out that ointments and gels are used in all stages of the development of the disease and should have a different effect depending on the duration of use:
- In the initial stages of varicose veins, gels and ointments can inhibit the progression of the pathological process, thereby preventing deformation of blood vessels and thinning of the vessel walls.
- In later stages, the goal is also to prevent the disease from progressing. In addition, external agents help improve blood circulation, prevent serious stagnation, and are also aimed at combating symptoms such as pain, swelling, cramps, changes in skin pigmentation and much more.
- In addition, the use of ointments and gels is often prescribed by doctors after the surgical treatment of varicose veins. In this case, it is possible to accelerate the rehabilitation period, healing not only superficial tissues, but also internal structures. Depending on the properties of the drug, certain gels and ointments will relieve possible swelling, reduce inflammation and stop other unpleasant effects caused by certain types of surgery.
Under ointments and gels there are drugs that are divided into several groups. The choice of drug should be based on clinical symptoms, which may be:
- Increased leg fatigue, painful sensations, tightness;
- swollen veins (this symptom accompanies almost all stages of varicose veins, the severity of the symptom is important);
- swellings, their intensity;
- convulsions, usually at night;
- Changes in the pigmentation of the skin, the skin may take on a bluish color.
It is also important to understand that the use of ointments or gels cannot cure varicose veins, but these remedies can really reduce the intensity of individual symptoms, improve the condition of blood vessels a little and prevent the development of a pathology.
Before taking any of the drugs described below, you must consult a phlebologist.
Phlebotonics
The drugs of this group form the basis for the medical treatment of varicose veins, they are prescribed both in the form of tablets and in the form of ointments. These drugs are designed to improve blood circulation and thus prevent stagnant processes. They increase the outflow of lymph and vascular tone, to some extent reduce the intensity of edema, and also eliminate the feeling of heaviness and fatigue in the legs.
Anticoagulants
Their main property is blood thinning, which is very important in certain stages of varicose veins, as well as in cases when the pathology progresses against the background of an increase in the concentration of platelets in the blood. Due to the fact that the blood becomes less viscous, the process of its circulation through the vascular bed is facilitated, the blood circulation is normalized, and stagnant processes are eliminated. Anticoagulants also prevent blood clots from forming.
Taking into account the properties described, the drugs of this group help to reduce edema in the legs, eliminate pain by relieving congestion and combat the feeling of constriction and fatigue. Anticoagulants also prevent the development of complications such as thrombophlebitis or the formation of trophic ulcers.
Anti-inflammatory
A phlebologist can prescribe local anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments or gels to a patient with varicose veins, based on the diagnostic data obtained.
A notable example is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are effective at eliminating painful sensations and have pronounced anti-inflammatory effects.
Ointments based on natural ingredients
Such drugs are mainly prescribed in the initial stages of varicose veins, used to treat pregnant women, or to replace the drugs previously described in order to achieve an interruption in the course of treatment.
This is due to the fact that products based on natural, more often herbal ingredients are more economical. In addition, unlike drug groups that are used in a course, they can be used continuously. After that, it's important to take a break.
The difference between ointments and gels
In fact, medicinal ointments and gels bought at the pharmacy are similar drugs. They are used in the same way if they are drugs from the same group that have an identical therapeutic effect and, moreover, even contain the same chemical components.
The differences are small:
- Ointments are made on the basis of vegetable and animal fats. It is also important to understand that the active ingredients in ointments do not completely dissolve and retain their original chemical structure. Due to these properties, the ointment must be rubbed into the skin more thoroughly, and even after this it is necessary to wait 5 to 15 minutes until it is completely absorbed, otherwise the therapeutic effect will be incomplete.
- A distinctive feature of gels is the fact that they are based on water and the medicinal ingredients are completely dissolved in their composition. Thanks to these factors, the gel is absorbed much faster.
As mentioned earlier, all medications, including ointments and gels for varicose veins for external use, should be prescribed by the attending physician.