Varicose veins are a pathological process characterized by dilation of blood vessels that carry blood to the heart, their deformation, as well as the development of valve insufficiency with subsequent dysfunction. A clear sign of the disease are veins that protrude on the surface of the skin, their tuberculosis, the appearance of trophic ulcers.
But the main danger of varicose veins is blood stagnation and the development of thrombophlebitis, ie circulatory disorders. A number of measures are used for the complete treatment of the disease, among which drug therapy and procedures are the most sought after and most effective. In addition, ointments and gels against varicose veins are very often used as an auxiliary treatment, and we will talk about them.
Purpose and types of ointments for varicose veins
First of all, I would like to note that ointments and gels are used at all stages of disease development and, depending on the period of application, aim to provide a different effect:
- In the initial stages of varicose veins, gels and ointments make it possible to curb the progression of the pathological process, preventing vascular deformation and thinning of the vascular walls.
- In later stages, the goal is also to prevent disease progression. However, in addition, topical products help improve blood circulation, prevent severe congestion, and are also aimed at suppressing symptoms, including pain, swelling, cramps, changes in skin pigmentation, and 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 achieve an acceleration of the rehabilitation period, healing of not only surface tissues, but also internal structures. In addition, depending on the properties of the drug, certain gels and ointments alleviate possible swelling, reduce inflammation and stop other unpleasant effects caused by some 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, painful feelings, feeling of tightness;
- Swollen veins (this symptom follows almost all stages of varicose veins, the severity of the symptoms is important);
- Puffiness, their intensity;
- Convulsions, usually at night;
- Changing skin pigmentation, skin may turn bluish.
It is also important to understand that the use of ointments or gels cannot cure varicose veins, but these drugs can indeed reduce the intensity of certain symptoms, somewhat improve the condition of blood vessels and prevent the development of pathology.
In addition, you must consult a phlebologist before using any of the medications described below.
Phlebotonics
Drugs of 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 lymphatic and vascular tone, somewhat reduce the intensity of edema, and at the same time 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 takes place in the background of increasing platelet concentration in the blood. Since the blood becomes less viscous, the process of its circulation through the vascular bed is facilitated, that is, the process of blood circulation is normalized and stagnant processes are removed. Also, anticoagulants prevent the formation of blood clots.
Taking into account the described properties, drugs of this group help to reduce edema in the legs, eliminate pain by relieving congestion and fight against the feeling of tightness and fatigue. Also, anticoagulants prevent the development of complications such as thrombophlebitis or the formation of trophic ulcers.
Anti-inflammatory
A phlebologist, based on the collected diagnostic data, can prescribe topical anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments or gels to a patient with varicose veins.
A striking example are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which effectively remove painful sensations, as well as have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
Fats based on natural ingredients
Such drugs are prescribed mainly in the initial stages of varicose veins, are used to treat pregnant women or replace the previously described drugs to take a break during treatment.
The above is due to the fact that products based on natural, often herbal components, act more economically. Moreover, they can be used continuously, unlike the groups of drugs used in the course, after which it is important to take a break.
Difference between ointments and gels
Basically, medicated ointments and gels purchased at the pharmacy are similar drugs. They are applied in the same way if they are drugs of the same group, which have an identical therapeutic effect, moreover, contain even the same chemical components.
As for the differences, they are few:
- Fats are made on the basis of fats, vegetable and animal. It is also important to understand that the active ingredients of fats do not dissolve completely, retaining the original chemical structure. Because of these properties, the ointment must be rubbed more thoroughly into the skin, and even after that it should wait 5 to 15 minutes until it is completely absorbed, otherwise the therapeutic effect will be incomplete;
- A characteristic feature of gels is the fact that they are water-based and that the medicinal components in their composition are completely dissolved. Thanks to these factors, the gel is absorbed much faster.
As mentioned earlier, any medication, including ointments and gels for varicose veins for external use, should be prescribed by the treating physician.