10 best local remedies for the treatment of varicose veins
Varicose veins of the lower extremities is a direct consequence of life in the modern city, namely, hypodynamia. In the absence of muscle activity significantly increases 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, and the presence of a valvular system prevents backflow. If there is no muscular load, then the blood should be moved with the help of increased pressure, which is created by the cardiovascular system, which is the reason for its excessive load. Additional factors for the development of varicose veins will be overweight, prolonged standing in the workplace, as well as hormonal disorders.
According to modern data, more than 30% of women and over 20% of the male population have certain signs of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. As a rule, the first signs of this disease are swelling in the ankle joints and knees, heaviness in the legs, especially by the end of the working day. Numbness of the extremities in the evenings, swelling of the venous network above the skin surface, the appearance of spider veins and night cramps in the muscles of the calves are symptoms of progressive pathology. Further, pigmentation appears on the skin of the legs, it becomes thinner and there are signs of so-called varicose dermatitis. Then signs of thrombophlebitis develop, chronic trophic ulcers appear.
At the earliest stages of the disease, it is necessary to begin treatment, and local drugs play a major role in this. Together with the normalization of lifestyle, massage, weight loss and lower load on the lower extremities, restore venous outflow function. The current Popularity Rating includes medicinal and cosmetic products that are represented by various ointments, creams and gels, which are available at retail in the pharmacy chain and are sold without a prescription.
Rating of the best local remedies for the treatment of varicose veins
| Nomination | a place | Name of product | price |
| The best ointment for the treatment of varicose veins | 1 | Heparoid Zentiva (sodium heparin) | 144 ₽ |
| 2 | Hepatrombin | 182 ₽ | |
| 3 | Ichthyol ointment | 103 ₽ | |
| The best creams with anti-varicose effect | 1 | Mom comfort from edema (cream-balm) | 254 ₽ |
| 2 | Normaven for legs | 300 ₽ | |
| The best gels for the treatment of varicose veins | 1 | Venitan (escin) | 275 ₽ |
| 2 | Diklogen | 45 ₽ | |
| 3 | Detragel | 489 ₽ | |
| 4 | Antistax gel with double cooling effect | 810 ₽ | |
| 5 | Troxevasin (Troxerutin) | 192 ₽ |
The best ointment for the treatment of varicose veins
Ointments for varicose veins are performed on a petroleum jelly or lanolin base, have a thick texture, and during the initial stages of varicose veins it is recommended to apply them overnight, as they are absorbed over a long period of time. The period of night rest is the best suited for their use. Of course, they can be applied during the day, but they can soil clothes and stockings and leave greasy marks on them, which is inconvenient.Ointments for the fight against varicose veins most often include agents that reduce the formation of blood clots and increase blood flow.
Heparoid Zentiva (sodium heparin)
Popularity rating: 4.9
Ointment Heparoid Zentiva for varicose veins is a variety of a large family of heparin ointments, and contains sodium heparin. This ointment is a direct anticoagulant for topical use, and prevents the occurrence of venous thrombosis. Heparin actively fights inflammation and exudation, and reduces blood clotting in the area of inflammation. This leads to a decrease in the formation and resorption of blood clots, which normalizes the venous blood flow.
In addition to the indications for use at all stages of varicose veins, the ointment is successfully used for the treatment of venous thrombosis, for fresh and not long-standing thrombophlebitis and periphlebitis, when applied around trophic leg ulcers. Also, this ointment is indispensable for hemorrhoids, after sclerotherapy and endovascular laser correction for varicose veins.
Heparoid is applied with a layer of up to one millimeter to the desired area of skin, as well as around it. The multiplicity of application - up to three times a day, apply Heparoid on the skin can not more than 4 hours. After application, it is necessary to rub the ointment with gentle, massaging movements. Perhaps the use of Heparoid under the bandage. This ointment is produced by the Czech company Zentiva, and a tube of 30 g can be purchased at pharmacies at prices ranging from 150 to 260 rubles. There are also cheap domestic counterparts that cost about 25 rubles for almost the same volume of a tube, 25 g. But to judge the quality and comparative effectiveness of the patient will have.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of this ointment include high-quality sodium heparin, which is used as the original substance, which distinguishes it from cheap analogues. Also, this ointment can be used in infants, especially in the complex treatment of soft tissue bruises during birth injuries. However, ointment cannot be applied in case of open wounds, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But when applied to minor areas of the skin, the ointment can also be used in pregnant women, but it cannot be prescribed to patients with varicose disease in the last trimester of pregnancy in order to avoid the risk of increased bleeding during childbirth. An overdose of this ointment is not marked, but it must be remembered that it cannot be combined with such drugs that contain salicylic acid, for example, aspirin and corticosteroid hormones.
Hepatrombin
Popularity rating: 4.8
This varicose ointment, in addition to heparin, contains dexpanthenol, or dermatotropic provitamin and allantoin. This combination of heparin, in addition to the anticoagulant action, allows to improve the regeneration of the epidermis and the deeper-lying layers of the skin, and also has anti-edema and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to varicose veins of the lower extremities, Hepatrombin can be used to treat trophic ulcers, with symptoms 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 with light movements, always in the direction of the venous blood flow, from the bottom up. For one-time use, there is enough of a small column of ointment, no longer than 5 cm. At night, dressings with ointment are shown. Apply the ointment is necessary twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime, but for milder forms and initial signs of varicose veins, only evening application can be recommended. The course of application is about 2 weeks. The Serbian company Hemofarm produces this ointment, and one package of hepatrombin in a 40-gram tube can be purchased at prices ranging from 245 to 340 rubles. at retail.
Advantages and disadvantages
Hepatrombin favorably differs from pure sodium heparinate by adding dermatotropic drugs that improve the trophic function of the skin.Therefore, it is most advantageous to apply it at those stages of varicose veins, when spider veins are already formed and varicose dermatitis phenomena occur. But in order to distinguish venous dermatitis from other conditions, the consultation of a vascular surgeon is necessary. This will avoid mistakes when choosing funds. This ointment is contraindicated to apply with open skin lesions, in the presence of malignant tumors, and with suppuration, because it does not possess antiseptic activity. It is not recommended to apply it in the third trimester of pregnancy, with hypersensitivity to the components.
Ichthyol ointment
Popularity rating: 4.7
Ichthyol ointment for varicose veins belongs to the category of almost folk remedies that are popular with patients with any income. The active substance Ichthyol, which is contained in the ointment at a concentration of 10%, has a slight analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and keratoplastic effect, as a result of which the rate of maturation of skin cells increases. It is shown for application to the site of varicose veins and on the foci of varicose dermatitis once or twice a day, if necessary, it can be used under the dressing. The basis of the ointment is medical petrolatum, therefore it is necessary to rub it into the skin surface when applied with light movements. The Tula pharmaceutical factory produces ichthyol ointment, and a tube in 30 g of 10% ointment can be purchased at prices ranging from 86 to 147 rubles. Ointment of higher concentration, 20% is not much more expensive.
Advantages and disadvantages
Perhaps the shortcomings of ichthyol ointment is its peculiar and persistent odor, so most patients with varicose veins, especially women, prefer to apply it overnight. This is correct, because the petroleum jelly base involves prolonged absorption, for several hours. Also, patients may experience local allergic reactions, such as redness, urticaria, and pruritus with a high sensitivity to the active ingredient. It is not recommended to apply this ointment to children under the age of 10, pregnant and lactating women. But in the case of the correct appointment, taking into account contraindications, the set of effects that the ointment produces will be unique. It contributes to the effect on the nerve endings, improves conditioned trophic reflexes, and has a beneficial effect on inflammation. In combination with the availability and inexpensive price, ichthyol ointment will be an effective drug for the treatment of varicose veins, and rightfully takes its place in the Popularity Rating.
The best creams with anti-varicose effect
Creams, unlike ointments, have a lighter consistency, are absorbed more quickly into the surface layers of the skin, and, although they have less penetrating power than ointments, they can be used during the daytime, and even several times a day. Creams do not stain clothes and can be applied by women even under stockings. After 5-10 minutes everything is quickly absorbed.
This ability allows creams to be used in the initial stages of varicose veins, when there are no signs of venous dermatitis or the onset of trophic disorders. They are indispensable for such symptoms as swelling, feeling of aching and pressure in the legs by the end of the day, with discomfort when phlebography does not yet show serious violations. It is the use of creams in combination with the modification of lifestyle and reasonable physical activity allows to eliminate the signs of initial varicose veins.
Mom comfort from edema (cream-balm)
Popularity rating: 4.9
Anti-varicose cream - balm Mama Comfort from edema is a parapharmaceutical agent, and contains biologically active herbal ingredients with the addition of troxerutin. These are extracts of red grapes and horse chestnut, hazel extract. Additionally, this cream contains an extract of medicinal leeches, which contains hirudin, or a substance with anticoagulant action.
This remedy for varicose veins has a strengthening effect on the walls of the capillaries, optimizes metabolism in the tissues, and reduces symptoms such as fatigue and swelling in the legs by the end of the day. The effect is complemented by a strong cooling effect that distracts and further reduces discomfort. This drug is applied to the skin of the lower extremities, and is easily rubbed into the skin with the help of massage movements. This cream is produced by the domestic company “Our Mother”, and a 175 ml tube is sold at prices ranging from 260 to 380 rubles in pharmacies.
Advantages and disadvantages
This cream is one of the few specially designed for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins in pregnant women. Therefore, he has few contraindications, only individual intolerance. Also, this cream can be applied to the skin of the feet after childbirth, and is very good in preparation for childbirth, together with wearing compression underwear.
Normaven for legs
Popularity rating: 4.8
This cream belongs to parapharmaceuticals, and contains a rich complex of active substances. This is an extract of chestnut and green tea, cranberries and arnica, ginkgo biloba extract. Additionally, it contains panthenol, lemon oil, a complex of vitamins, wormwood extract. Such a rich combination of active ingredients allows Normavenu to manifest many effects, from venotonic to antioxidant. This cream not only reduces fatigue and relieves swelling, but also due to lemon oil improves skin color and appearance. It gives a light whitening effect, the contours of spider veins are weakened.
Rub this cream into the skin of the legs preferably daily, three times a day for 3 minutes. Also, the tool comes in the form of a spray that can be used even on top of stockings. This cream is produced by the domestic company Vertex CJSC, and the cost of one Normaven tube for legs weighing 100 g ranges from 300 to 500 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The disadvantage of this cream is the same as that of other parapharmaceuticals. Natural ingredients capable of providing a mild complex effect, and help only at the initial stage of the disease. If there are phenomena of varicose dermatitis, subcutaneous nodes from the veins are expressed, then such a tool will no longer have the necessary action, complex treatment or even the use of surgical intervention will be required. But in the initial stages, this cream will be useful to all patients, it can also be used in individuals for the prevention of varicose veins. Contraindication will be only individual intolerance to the components, and most often - it is intolerance 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 number of various domestic and foreign medicines. The main difference between the gel and the cream and ointment is a quick drying, a transparent color and a light texture, and the formation of a protective film on the skin surface. The gel is not able to penetrate deeply, so it should be used only during the initial stages of the disease and for prevention. A common advantage for all the gels is the absence of marks on clothes and grease stains on the hands, since the basis for the gels is not water-soluble, but water-soluble or alcohol-based.
Venitan (escin)
Popularity rating: 4.9
Venitan gel from varicose veins - a representative of local products that contain escin, or horse chestnut extract. This tool is used to reduce the permeability of the capillaries of the soft tissues of the lower extremities, and belong to the representatives of venotonics. Venitan Gel is able to eliminate swelling, reduce the symptoms of aches and heaviness in the legs and improve venous blood flow. The reduction in capillary permeability caused by escin leads to the normalization of tissue pressure, and prevents the flow into the superficial veins of the leg, resulting in improved drainage function of the deep veins.This tool is used mainly in the initial stages of the disease, but according to the indication it can be used in the developed stage of the disease. A thin layer of this gel is applied to the desired area with gentle movements several times a day, up to 3 times a day. This gel is produced by the German company Salyutas Pharma. 1 tube of 50g gel costs from 250 to 380 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of Venitana include its high efficiency, 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, prophylactic class.
Venitan is not applied to trophic ulcers and wounds, it should be carefully applied to patients with a tendency to thrombosis, and in this case it is better to alternate it with the use of ointments containing heparin. It is not applied to the mucous membranes, and during application it is not necessary to massage the surface. From contraindications there is only an increased sensitivity to Venitane, and from side effects allergic reactions are possible. The gel does not apply to children.
Diklogen
Popularity rating: 4.8
Diclogen belongs to the representatives of a completely different group of drugs - NSAIDs, and contains diclofenac. It does not belong to anticoagulants, and does not prevent the entry of blood plasma into the tissue fluid. But, nevertheless, this drug helps to reduce secondary inflammation, which sooner or later occurs with the development of varicose veins. After all, all processes that are associated with edema and fluid retention are accompanied by deformation of venous valves, tissue destruction and the release of biogenic amines and inflammatory mediators into the intercellular space. It is here that Diclogene is needed, the active ingredient of which is diclofenac. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, helps to reduce redness, pain, and swelling, 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 contributes to the disappearance or alleviation of pain, and especially in those stages of varicose veins, when there are already signs of varicose dermatitis. Perhaps this is the only exception to the family of gels, and Diclogene is indicated for use in case of progressive chronic venous insufficiency. It is applied to the skin up to 4 times a day, but not more than 2 weeks. Light rubbing into the skin surface is allowed. Diclogen is produced by the Indian pharmaceutical company “Agio Pharmaceutical”, and a large tub weighing 50 g of 5% diclofenac costs from 180 to 200 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
Diclofenac exhibits a pronounced analgesic and anti-edema, anti-inflammatory effect, and affects the secondary mechanisms of varicose disease, that is, it will be the pathogenetic means of treatment. But diclofenac has a side effect in the form of skin rashes, allergic reactions, and in patients with severe bronchial asthma, asthma attacks are possible, therefore it is advisable to consult with a physician before the initial use. This gel can not be applied to damaged skin, it is not used under dressings. Diclogene 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 in the event that he is appointed and applied correctly, then in the complex therapy he 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 English company Bosnalek, and it is very expensive. 1 tube weighing 40g will cost you from 470 to 620 rubles. At the same time, Detragel is a bit like the funds that were listed at the beginning of the Popularity Rating, or ointment with heparin sodium.But such a high cost is due to the fact that manufacturers managed to transform the gel form and add an additional horse chestnut extract, or in conjunction with social phospholipids. The result was a highly effective local agent that has an antithrombotic anticoagulant effect, together with a pronounced metallic effect. As a result of the use of this gel, congestion in the superficial veins is reduced, the capillary wall becomes less fragile, and the edema begins to dissolve. Along the way, the remedy reduces the secondary inflammatory process, dissolves blood clots in the venous vessels, and can be used both independently in the initial stages of the disease and in complex therapy for symptoms that have gone far beyond. Also, this tool is indicated for resorption of bruises in case of injuries, including bruises and sprains. Hydrogel is applied to intact skin with light movements, no more than three times a day. If necessary, you can use it as a dressing for compression garments. Products without a doctor's prescription should not be applied longer than 15 days.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of Detragel should include a highly effective and complex action, and, despite the relatively high cost, it can immediately replace two drugs. The gel-like consistency facilitates the application, the gel does not stain the laundry. But, nevertheless, there are contraindications to the use. These are low blood clotting, hemophilia and various hemorrhagic diathesis. These are open wounds, hypersensitivity and age up to 18 years, pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also possible, though rarely, the development of allergic reactions, in the form of skin dermatitis and urticaria. If Detragel is prescribed for thrombophlebitis, then it must simply be applied to the skin, and not rubbed.
Antistax gel with double cooling effect
Popularity rating: 4.7
This tool refers to cosmetic products, and is used at the first unpleasant sensations, with fatigue and heaviness in the legs, with prolonged standing, standing or sitting. The gel contains a composition of red grape leaf extract, peppermint oil, menthol, and excipients. It is shown for the prevention and treatment of the initial stages of varicose veins as a single agent, and in complex therapy it can also be used for the more severe stages of chronic venous insufficiency.
The gel is applied with light movements on the skin of the legs, from the bottom up, in the direction of the outflow of venous blood, it is quickly absorbed and its distinguishing advantage is instant relief by improving microcirculation and a cooling effect. The manufacturing company recommends to keep this gel in the fridge to enhance the effect, and apply at least 2 times a day, and, if necessary, during the day. Antistax, despite its cosmetic purpose, will probably be the most expensive in the whole Popularity Rating of local remedies for the symptomatic treatment of the initial stages of varicose veins. A tube with a volume of 125ml will cost you from 850 to 1400 rubles. It is produced by the famous German pharmaceutical company Beringer ingelheim.
Advantages and disadvantages
The disadvantage of this remedy, like that of other cosmetic preparations, is considered to be rather low efficacy and the impossibility of using it as a single treatment for the progressive and significant symptoms of varicose veins, then it can only be used in conjunction with other medicines, along with compression underwear doctor.
But if the patient has only the initial stages, and the progression may well be stopped by the normalization of body weight, work and rest, and all treatment is reduced only to a decrease in symptoms, then the Antistax gel with a double cooling effect is perfect for relieving unpleasant sensations.It is well tolerated, and only the intolerance of individual components is considered a contraindication. Of course, this gel is quite expensive, and not everyone can get it. But in the event that it is applied correctly, then even a one-time application will immediately bring significant relief and relieve fatigue, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
Troxevasin (Troxerutin)
Popularity rating: 4.6
Troxevasin is perhaps the most famous of the local remedies for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. The active ingredient is troxerutin, additional substances and gel base. The action of troxerutin is based on the effect of vitamin P, which is manifested by a mixture of particular derivatives of rutin. As a result of topical application of the gel, an anti-exudative, capillary-tonic and hemostatic action develops. The tool blocks the development of secondary inflammation, reduces platelet aggregation, and helps 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 pain, and in varicose dermatitis. Apply Troxevasin only externally, until fully absorbed, twice a day, morning and evening. The tool can be used for wearing under bandages or under compression underwear. Troxevasin is indicated for long-term use, and to enhance the effect, the manufacturer recommends combining the application of the gel with the administration of Troxevasin capsules. This gel is produced by the Balkanfarm enterprise, and the cost of one 40-g tube varies from 160 to 220 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantage of Troxevasin is the ability to use it in combination with other local 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 elevated varicose edema. It is non-toxic, there are no described cases of its overdose, but if you are hypersensitive to rutin, allergic reactions may develop - redness and itching of the skin, which is rare.
Local various means for the treatment of varicose veins are used very widely in the initial stages of this disease. But we must remember that the main role in the treatment belongs to the modification of lifestyle. Incompatible varicose veins and increased athletic load, squats with weights and jumps. But swimming and comfortable walking are shown.
Be sure to exclude spicy and salty foods, coffee and reduce the use of flour and sausage products, canned food. Strong sitting and standing is strictly prohibited. It is undesirable to use various hardware cosmetic procedures, depilation chemicals and the use of cheap cosmetics. But a great therapeutic effect will be achieved when raising the foot end of the bed at a slight angle. It is allowed to drink enough clean water that removes toxins. The refusal of bad habits is important, the use of a contrast shower is useful. Finally, the inclusion in the daily diet of fruits and vegetables for the prevention of constipation will also bear fruit, and in this case, the treatment of the initial manifestations of varicose veins will be more successful and comfortable.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.
