Varicose veins are a pathological process characterized by dilation of blood vessels transporting blood to the heart, their deformation, as well as the development of valve insufficiency with subsequent dysfunction. A clear sign of the disease are the veins protruding to the surface of the skin, their tuber, the appearance of trophic ulcers.
But the main danger of varicose veins is the stagnation of blood and the development of thrombophlebitis, ie circulatory disorders. A set of measures is used for the complete treatment of the disease, among which drug therapy and surgery are the most sought after and effective. In addition, ointments and gels for varicose veins are very often used as an adjunct treatment and we will talk about them.
Purpose and types of ointments for varicose veins
First, I would like to note that ointments and gels are used at all stages of the disease and, depending on the period of application, aim to provide a different effect:
- In the initial stages of varicose veins, gels and ointments allow to limit the progression of the pathological process, preventing vascular deformation and thinning of vascular walls.
- In the later stages, the goal is also to prevent the disease from progressing. In addition, external agents help improve blood circulation, prevent severe stagnation and are also aimed at combating symptoms, including pain, swelling, cramps, changes in skin pigmentation and much more.
- In addition, the use of ointments and gels is often prescribed by doctors after surgical treatment of varicose veins. In this case, it is possible to accelerate the rehabilitation period, healing not only the superficial tissues but also the internal structures. In addition, depending on the properties of the drug, some gels and ointments relieve possible swelling, reduce inflammation and stop other unpleasant effects caused by certain types of surgery.
Among ointments and gels there are drugs that are divided into several groups. The choice of drug should be based on clinical signs, which may be as follows:
- Increased leg fatigue, pain, tightness;
- Swollen veins (this symptom accompanies almost all stages of varicose veins, the severity of the symptom is important);
- Puffiness, their intensity;
- Convulsions, usually at night;
- Change in skin pigmentation, the skin may acquire a bluish tinge.
It is also important to understand that the use of ointments or gels cannot cure varicose veins, but these remedies can indeed reduce the intensity of individual symptoms, somewhat improve the condition of blood vessels and prevent the developmentof pathology.
In addition, you should consult a phlebologist before using any of the medications described below.
Phlebotonics
Drugs from this group form the basis of 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, which prevents 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 the thinning of the blood, which is very important in certain stages of varicose veins, as well as in cases where the pathology takes place 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, respectively the process of blood circulation is normalized and stagnant processes are eliminated. Anticoagulants also prevent blood clots from forming.
Taking into account the described properties, drugs from this group help to reduce swelling in the legs, eliminate pain by relieving congestion and combating the feeling of tightness and fatigue. Also, anticoagulants prevent the development of complications such as thrombophlebitis or the formation of trophic ulcers.
Anti-inflammatory
The phlebologist, based on the diagnostic data obtained, may prescribe topical anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments or gels to a patient with varicose veins.
A striking example is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which effectively eliminate painful sensations and have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
Ointments based on natural ingredients
Such drugs are mainly prescribed in the early stages of varicose veins, are used to treat pregnant women or replace the previously described drugs to take a break from the course of treatment.This is due to the fact that products based on natural, more often plant components work more sparingly. In addition, they can be used constantly, unlike the groups of drugs used in the course, after which it is important to take a break.
The difference between ointments and gels
In fact, medicated ointments and gels purchased at the pharmacy are similar drugs. They are administered in the same way if they are drugs of the same group, have an identical therapeutic effect, and even contain the same chemical components.
As for the differences, they are a little, very far:
- Ointments are made from fats, both vegetable and animal. It is also important to understand that the active ingredients in ointments do not dissolve completely, retaining their original chemical structure. Due to these characteristics, the ointment should be rubbed into the skin more thoroughly and even then 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 the gels is the fact that they are water-based and the drug components in their composition are completely dissolved. Due to these factors, the gel is absorbed much faster.
As mentioned earlier, all medicines, including ointments and gels for varicose veins for external use, must be prescribed by your doctor.