10 best local remedies for varicose veins treatment

*Review of the best according to the editorial board. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, it is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. It is necessary to consult with a specialist prior to purchase.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities is a direct consequence of life in the modern city, namely, hypodynamia. In the absence of muscular activity there is a significant increase in the load on the venous system in the legs. Normally, muscular work promotes the pushing of venous blood up through the vessels of the legs, while the backflow is prevented by the presence of the valve system. If there is no muscular load, then the blood movement must be carried out with the increased pressure that the cardiovascular system creates, which is the cause of its overload. Additional factors in the development of varicose veins will be overweight, prolonged standing at work, as well as hormonal imbalances.

According to modern data, more than 30% of women and over 20% of men have some symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and varicosity. As a rule, the first signs of this disease are swelling in the ankles and knees, heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the day. Numbness of the extremities in the evening, bulging of the venous network over the surface of the skin, the appearance of spider veins, and night cramps in the calf muscles are symptoms of progressive pathology. Over time pigmentation appears on the skin of the legs, it becomes thin and signs of varicose vein dermatitis appear. Then signs of thrombophlebitis develop, chronic trophic ulcers.

In the earliest stages of the disease it is necessary to begin treatment, and in this, a great role is played by local preparations, which allow, in conjunction with the normalization of lifestyle, massage, weight reduction and reduction of stress on the lower extremities to restore the function of venous outflow. The current Popularity Rating includes medications and cosmetics, which are represented by various ointments, creams and gels, which are available at retail in the pharmacy chain and sold without a prescription.

Rating of the best topical agents for the treatment of varicose veins

The best ointments for varicose veins

Varicose ointments are made on a vaseline or lanolin base, have a thick consistency, and in the initial stages of varicose vein disease it is recommended to apply them at night, as they are absorbed over a long period of time. The period of night’s rest is the best time for their application. Of course, you can also apply them during the day, but they can stain clothes and stockings, and leave a greasy residue on them, which is uncomfortable. Ointments to combat varicose veins most often include products that reduce the process of blood clot formation and increase blood flow.

Heparoid Zentiva (sodium heparinate)

Popularity Rating: 4.9

Heparoid Zentiva ointment for varicose veins is a variation of the large family of heparin ointments, and contains sodium heparinate. This ointment is a direct anticoagulant for topical use, and prevents venous thrombosis. Heparin actively fights inflammation and exudation, and reduces blood clotting in the inflamed area. It leads to a decrease in the formation and resorption of clots, which normalizes the venous blood flow.

In addition to indications for use on all stages of varicose veins, the ointment is successfully used to treat venous thrombosis, fresh and not long-standing thrombophlebitis and periphlebitis, when applied around trophic ulcers of the shin. This ointment is also indispensable for hemorrhoids, after sclerosing therapy and endovascular laser correction for varicose veins.

Apply Heparoid in a layer of up to one millimeter on and around the desired skin area. Up to three times a day, Heparoid may be applied to the skin up to four hours at a time. After application, it is necessary to rub the ointment gently, massaging movements. It is possible to use Heparoid under the dressing. The ointment is produced by Zentiva (Czech Republic) and the tube of 30 g you can buy in pharmacies for 150-260 rubles. It can be purchased at a low price and costs from 25 rubles for the same amount of 25 g tube. But it is up to the patient to judge the quality and comparative effectiveness.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of this ointment include high-quality sodium heparinate, which is used as an initial substance, which distinguishes it from cheap analogues. This ointment can also be used for infants, especially in the treatment of soft tissue bruises during childbirth trauma. However, the ointment should not be used in case of open wounds, pregnancy and breastfeeding. But when applied to small areas of skin, the ointment can also be used in pregnant women, but it should not be prescribed to patients with varicose veins in the last trimester of pregnancy to avoid the risk of increased bleeding during childbirth. Overdose of this ointment is not noted, but we must remember that it should not be combined with drugs that contain salicylic acid, such as aspirin and corticosteroid hormones.

Hepatrombin

Popularity rating: 4.8

This ointment for varicose veins, in addition to heparin, contains dexpanthenol, or dermatotropic provitamin, and allantoin. This combination of heparin, in addition to its anticoagulant action, helps to improve the regeneration of the epidermis and the deeper layers of the skin, and also has an anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effect. In addition to varicose veins of the lower limbs, Hepatrombin can be used to treat trophic ulcers, with the phenomena of venous thrombosis, periphlebitis and thrombophlebitis, with various injuries, synovitis, tendovaginitis to improve resorption.

Usually in uncomplicated cases, the ointment should be applied and rubbed gently, necessarily in the direction of the venous blood flow, from bottom to top. For a single application, a small column of ointment, not more than 5 cm in length, is enough. Dressings with the ointment are shown at night. The ointment should be applied twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime, but if you have mild forms or initial symptoms of varicose veins, evening application is the only recommendation. The course of application is about 2 weeks. Produces this ointment Serbian company “Chemopharm”, and one package of hepatrombin in a tube of 40 g can be purchased at prices ranging from 245 to 340 rubles. in retail sales.

Advantages and disadvantages

Hepatrombin compares favorably to pure sodium heparinate with the addition of dermatotropic agents that improve the trophic function of the skin. Therefore it is most advantageous and apply it at those stages of varicose veins, when the formation of spider veins and varicose dermatitis appear. But in order to distinguish venous dermatitis from other conditions, a consultation with a vascular surgeon is always necessary. This will help to avoid mistakes in the choice of remedies. This ointment is contraindicated in open skin lesions, in the presence of malignant neoplasms, and in suppuration, since it has no antiseptic activity. It is not recommended to use it in the third trimester of pregnancy, with hypersensitivity to the components.

Ichthyol ointment

Popularity Rating: 4.7

Ichthyol ointment from varicose veins belong to the category of almost folk remedies, which are popular with patients of all incomes. The active ingredient ichthiol, which is contained in the ointment in a concentration of 10%, has a mild analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and keratoplastic effect, resulting in an increased rate of maturation of skin cells. It is indicated for application in the area of varicose vein swelling and varicose dermatitis once or twice a day and, if necessary, it can be applied under a dressing. The basis of the ointment is medical Vaseline, so it should be rubbed gently into the surface of the skin when applied. Produces ichthyol ointment Tula pharmaceutical factory, and the tube of 30 g 10% ointment can be purchased at prices ranging from 86 to 147 rubles. A higher concentration ointment, 20% does not cost much more.

Advantages and disadvantages

Perhaps the disadvantages of ichthyol ointment includes its peculiar and persistent smell, so most patients with varicose veins, especially women, prefer to apply it at night. This is correct, since the petroleum jelly base involves prolonged absorption, over several hours. Also, patients may experience local allergic reactions such as redness, urticaria and skin itching if they are highly sensitive to the active component. It is not recommended to use this ointment in children under the age of 10 years, pregnant and lactating women. But if properly prescribed, taking into account the contraindications, the set of effects that the ointment produces will be unique. It helps influence nerve endings, improve conditioned trophic reflexes, and is beneficial for inflammation. Combined with the affordability and inexpensive price ichthyol ointment will be an effective medication for the treatment of varicose veins, and rightfully takes its place in the Rating of popularity.

The best creams with antivaricose effect

Creams, unlike ointments, have a lighter consistency, are more quickly absorbed into the surface layers of the skin, and, although they have less penetrating power than ointments, they can be applied during the day, and even several times a day. The creams do not stain clothing and can be applied by women even under stockings. After 5-10 minutes, everything will be quickly absorbed.

This ability allows the creams to be used in the initial stages of varicose veins, when there are not yet signs of venous dermatitis and the beginning of trophic disorders. They are indispensable for symptoms such as swelling, feeling of aches and pressure in the legs towards the end of the day, for discomfort when phlebography does not yet show serious abnormalities. It is the use of creams in combination with lifestyle modification and reasonable physical activity that can eliminate the signs of initial varicose veins.

Mama comfort from swelling (cream balm)

Popularity Rating: 4.9

Antivaricose cream – balm Mama Comfort from swelling is a parapharmaceutical means, and contains biologically active plant components with the addition of trokserutin. This red grape and horse chestnut extract, witch hazel extract. In addition, this cream contains an extract of medicinal leeches, which contain hirudin, or a substance with anticoagulant effect.

This varicose vein remedy has a strengthening effect on capillary walls, optimizes tissue metabolism, and reduces symptoms such as fatigue and swelling in the legs at the end of the day. Complementing the action is a strong cooling effect, which distracts and further reduces discomfort. This preparation is applied to the skin of the lower extremities, and is easily, with massaging movements, rubbed into the skin. This cream is made by a local company “Nasha Mama,” and the tube volume of 175 ml is sold at prices ranging from 260 to 380 rubles in pharmacies.

Advantages and disadvantages

This cream is one of the few that are specially designed for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins in pregnant women. Therefore, it has few contraindications, only an individual intolerance. This cream can also be applied to the skin of the legs after childbirth, and is very good as a preparation for childbirth in conjunction with the wearing of compression underwear.

Normaven for Feet

Popularity Rating: 4.8

This cream belongs to the parapharmaceuticals, and contains a rich complex of active substances. Chestnut and green tea extract, lingonberry and arnica extract, ginkgo biloba extract. Additionally it includes panthenol, lemon oil, vitamin complex, mugwort extract. This rich combination of active ingredients allows Normaven to show a multitude of effects, from venotonic to antioxidant. Not only does it relieve fatigue and swelling, but the lemon oil also improves skin color and appearance. It has a mild whitening effect, loosening the contours of spider veins.

It is advisable to rub this cream into the skin of the legs daily, three times a day for 3 minutes. It is also available as a spray that can be used even over stockings. Produces this cream domestic company ZAO Vertex, and the cost of one tube of Normaven for the legs weighing 100 grams ranges from 300 to 500 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The disadvantages of this cream are the same as those of other parapharmaceuticals. Natural ingredients capable of mild, complex action, and only help in the initial stages of the disease. If there are signs of varicose dermatitis, subcutaneous vein nodules are pronounced, then such a treatment will not have the desired effect, and a comprehensive treatment or even surgery will be required. But at initial stages, this cream will be useful for all patients, it can also be used for the prevention of varicose veins. Contraindication will be only an individual intolerance to the components, and most often it is intolerance to arnica and wormwood.

The best gels for the treatment of varicose veins

The family of gels for the treatment and prevention of the initial stages of varicose veins is represented by a large variety of domestic and foreign medicines. The main difference between the gel and the cream and ointment is the rapid drying, transparent color and light consistency, and the formation of a protective film on the skin surface. The gel is unable to penetrate deeply, so it should only be used in the initial stages of the disease and for prevention. A common plus for all gels is the absence of traces on clothes and greasy stains on hands, because the basis for the gels is not fat-soluble, but water-soluble or alcoholic.

Venitan (escin)

Popularity Rating: 4.9

Venitan gel from varicose veins is a representative of topical products that contain escin, or horse chestnut extract. This product is used to reduce capillary permeability of the soft tissues of the lower limbs, and refers to representatives of venotonics. Venitan gel is able to eliminate swelling, reduce the symptoms of leg aches and heaviness and improve venous blood flow. The reduction of capillary permeability caused by escin leads to normalization of tissue pressure, and prevents overflow into the superficial veins of the lower leg, as a result improving the drainage function of deep veins. It is used mainly in the initial stages of the disease, but under the indication it can be used in the advanced stage of the disease. A thin layer of this gel is applied gently several times a day to the desired area, up to 3 times a day. Produces this gel by the German company Salutas Pharma. 1 Tube of 50g gel costs from 250 to 380 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Venitan include its high effectiveness, but only in the initial stages of varicose veins it can be used as monotherapy, without the support of other drugs, and without wearing compression underwear, except for stockings of zero, preventive class.

Venitan is not applied to trophic ulcers and wounds, it must be used with caution in patients prone to thrombosis, and in this case it is better to alternate with the use of ointments containing heparin. It is not applied to mucous membranes, and when applied, it is not necessary to massage the surface. From contraindications there is only hypersensitivity to Venitan, and from the side effects allergic reactions are possible. The gel is not used in children.

Diclogen

Popularity Rating: 4.8

Diclogen belongs to representatives of a completely different group of drugs – NSAIDs, and contains diclofenac. It does not relate to anticoagulants, and does not prevent blood plasma from entering the tissue fluid. But, nevertheless, this drug contributes to the reduction of secondary inflammation, which sooner or later occurs in the development of varicose vein disease. After all, all processes that are associated with edema and fluid stasis are accompanied by deformation of venous valves, tissue destruction and release of biogenic amines and inflammatory mediators into the intercellular space. This is where Diclogen, whose active ingredient is diclofenac, is needed. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, helps to reduce redness, soreness, and edema, which is not caused by cold sweating of blood plasma, but by the presence of an inflammatory component.

This gel is available for external use, it helps eliminate or alleviate pain, and especially in those stages of varicose veins when there are already signs of varicose dermatitis. Perhaps the only exception to the family of gels, and Diclogen is indicated for use in progressive chronic venous insufficiency. It is applied to the skin up to 4 times a day, but no more than 2 weeks. Allowed light rubbing into the surface of the skin. Diclofen is produced by the Indian pharmaceutical company “Agio pharmaceuticals” and a large tube of 50 g of 5% diclofenac costs from 180 to 200 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Diclofenac exhibits a pronounced analgesic and anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory effect, and affects the secondary mechanisms of varicose vein disease, that is, it will be a pathogenetic means of treatment. But diclofenac has side effects in the form of skin rashes, allergic reactions, and patients with severe bronchial asthma may have suffocation attacks, so it is advisable to consult a doctor before initial use. This gel can not be applied to damaged skin, it is not used under bandages. Diclogen is not used in the third trimester of pregnancy, and is not used as a prophylactic in this period, in nursing mothers for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins. But if it is prescribed and applied correctly, in the complex therapy it is able to relieve patients from the painful symptoms of the disease.

Detragel

Popularity Rating: 4.7

This gel from varicose veins is produced by the British company Bosnalek, and is very expensive. 1 tube of 40g will cost you from 470 up to 620 rubles. At the same time Detragel is a little like those remedies that were listed at the beginning Rating popularitya, or ointments with sodium heparin. But such a high price is due to the fact that the manufacturers have managed to transform the gel form and introduce an additional extract of horse chestnut, or in combination with social phospholipids. The result is a highly effective local remedy, which has antithrombotic anticoagulant action, together with a pronounced metallic effect. As a result of using this gel, stasis in the surface veins decreases, the capillary wall becomes less fragile, and edema begins to dissolve. By the way, the remedy reduces the secondary inflammatory process, dissolves thrombi in the venous vessels, and can be used both independently in the initial stages of the disease, and as a complex therapy for advanced symptoms. This product is also shown for resorption of bruises in injuries, including bruises and sprains. Hydrogel is applied to intact skin lightly, no more than three times a day. If necessary, it can be used visibly under the bandages and under the compression garment. Means without a doctor’s prescription should not be applied for more than 15 days.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Detragel should include highly effective and complex action, and despite the relatively high cost, it can immediately replace the two drugs. The gel-like consistency facilitates application, the gel does not stain the clothes. But, nevertheless, there are also contraindications to use. It is low blood clotting, hemophilia and various hemorrhagic diathesis. These are open wounds, hypersensitivity and under 18 years of age, pregnancy and lactation. Allergic reactions in the form of skin dermatitis or urticaria are also possible, but rare. If Detragel is prescribed for thrombophlebitis, it should simply be applied to the skin, and not rubbed.

Antistax gel with double cooling effect

Popularity Rating: 4.7

This product belongs to cosmetic products, and is used at the first discomfort, with fatigue and heaviness in the legs, with prolonged standing or sitting. The gel contains a composition of red grape leaf extract, peppermint oil, menthol, and excipients. It is indicated for the prevention and treatment of initial stages of varicose veins as a single agent, but in combination therapy it can also be used at more severe stages of chronic venous insufficiency.

The gel is applied with light movements on the skin of the legs, from bottom to top, in the direction of the outflow of venous blood, it is quickly absorbed and its distinctive advantage is instant relief by improving microcirculation and cooling effect. The manufacturer recommends storing this gel in the refrigerator to enhance the effect, and apply at least 2 times a day, and if necessary, during the day. Antistax, despite its cosmetic purpose, is probably the most expensive in the whole Rating of the popularity of topical agents for the symptomatic treatment of the initial stages of varicose veins. A 125 ml tube will cost you from 850 to 1400 rubles. It is produced by the well-known German pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim.

Advantages and disadvantages

The disadvantage of this product, as well as other cosmetic products, is considered to be rather low effectiveness and inability to be used as the only treatment for progressive and significant symptoms of varicose veins, then it can only be used in conjunction with other drugs, together with a compression garment, which is prescribed by the doctor.

But if the patient has only initial stages, and the progression may well be stopped by the normalization of body weight, work and rest regimen, and all treatment is reduced only to the reduction of symptoms, then Antistax gel with a double cooling effect is perfect for relieving unpleasant sensations. It is well tolerated, and the only contraindication is the intolerance of the individual components. Of course, this gel is quite expensive, and not everyone can buy it. But in the case if it is used correctly, then even a single application of it will immediately bring considerable relief and relieve fatigue and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Troxevasin (troxerutin)

Popularity Rating: 4.6

Troxevasin is probably the best known of the topical treatments for chronic venous insufficiency. Active substance – troxerutin, additional substances and gel base. The action of Trokserutin is based on the effect of vitamin P, which is shown by the mixture of special rutin derivatives. As a result of local application of the gel an anti-exudative, capillary-tonic and hemostatic effect is developed. The remedy blocks the development of secondary inflammation, reduces platelet aggregation, and helps to reduce the main symptoms of varicose veins. Troxevasin is indicated for use not only in chronic venous insufficiency with characteristic symptoms, but also in the presence of thrombophlebitis, traumatic edema and soreness, and varicose dermatitis. Apply Troxevasin only externally, until completely absorbed, twice a day, morning and evening. The product can be worn under bandages or under a compression garment. Troxevasin is indicated for long-term use, and to enhance the effect, the manufacturer recommends combining the application of the gel with the intake of Troxevasin capsules. The company Balkanpharma produces this gel, and the cost of one tube of 40 g ranges from 160 to 220 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

A plus of Troxevasin is considered the possibility of using it in combination with other topical means. At the same time, it should be applied only to intact skin, and the manufacturer recommends using the gel in combination with ascorbic acid preparations for increased varicose edema. It is not toxic, there are no described cases of its overdose, but with individual intolerance to rutin possible development of allergic reactions – redness and skin itching, which is rare.

A variety of local remedies for the treatment of varicose veins are very widely used in the initial stages of the disease. But it should be remembered that the main role in the treatment belongs to the modification of the lifestyle. Varicose veins and increased sports activities, weight squatting and jumping are incompatible. But swimming and comfortable walking is shown.

Be sure to exclude spicy, and salty foods, coffee and reduce the use of flour and sausages, canned foods. It is categorically forbidden to sit or stand for long periods. Unwanted use of various hardware cosmetic procedures, chemical hair removal products and the use of cheap cosmetics. But a great therapeutic effect will be achieved by raising the foot end of the bed at a small angle. It is allowed to drink a sufficient amount of clean water, which removes toxins. It is important to avoid bad habits, it is useful to use a contrast shower. Finally, the inclusion of fruits and vegetables in the daily diet to prevent constipation will also bear fruit, and in this case, the treatment of the initial manifestations of varicose veins will be more successful and comfortable.