10 best local remedies for varicose veins

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities are a direct consequence of life in a modern city, namely, hypodynamia. In the absence of muscle activity, the load on the venous system in the legs increases significantly. Normally, muscular work promotes the pushing of venous blood up the vessels of the legs, and the presence of a valve system prevents the reverse outflow. If there is no muscle load, in this case, the movement of blood should be carried out with the help of increased pressure, which is created by the cardiovascular system, which is the reason for its excessive load. Additional factors in 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 at the end of the working day. Numbness of the limbs in the evenings, bulging 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. In the future, pigmentation appears on the skin of the legs, it becomes thinner and signs of so-called varicose dermatitis appear. Then signs of thrombophlebitis develop, chronic trophic ulcers occur.

At the earliest stages of the disease, it is necessary to start treatment, and in this, local drugs play an important role, which, together with the normalization of the lifestyle, massage, weight reduction and a decrease in the load on the lower limbs, restore the function of venous outflow. This Popularity Rating includes medicines and cosmetics, which are represented by various ointments, creams and gels that are available in retail in the pharmacy network 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 ointments for the treatment of varicose veins	1	Heparoid Zentiva (sodium heparin)	144 RUB
	2	Hepatrombin	182 r
	3	Ichthyol ointment	RUB 103
The best creams with anti-varicose effect	1	Mom comfort from edema (cream-balm)	254 RUB
	2	Normal for legs	RUB 300
The best gels for the treatment of varicose veins	1	Venitan (escin)	275 RUB
	2	Dyclogen	RUB 45
	3	Detragel	RUB 489
	4	Anti-Stax gel with double cooling effect	RUB 810
	5	Troxevasin (troxerutin)	192 RUB

The best ointments for the treatment of varicose veins

Ointments for varicose veins are carried out on a petroleum jelly or lanolin base, have a thick consistency, and in the initial stages of varicose veins, it is recommended to apply them at night, since they are absorbed over a long period of time. The rest period is the best suited for their use. Of course, they can be applied during the day, but they can stain clothes and stockings and leave greasy marks on them, which is inconvenient. Ointments to combat 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 type 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 thrombus embryos, which normalizes venous blood flow.

In addition to indications for use at all stages for varicose veins, the ointment is successfully used to treat venous thrombosis, with fresh and not chronic 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 in a layer of up to one millimeter to the desired area of ​​the skin, as well as around it. Multiplicity of application – up to three times a day, you can apply Geparoid to the skin no more often than after 4 hours. After application, it is necessary to rub in the ointment with careful, massaging movements. It is possible to use Heparoid under a bandage. This ointment is produced by the Czech company Zentiva, and a 30 g tube can be purchased in pharmacies at a price of 150 to 260 rubles. There are also cheap domestic counterparts, which, with almost the same volume of a tube, 25 g, cost from 25 rubles. But the patient will have to judge the quality and comparative effectiveness.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of this ointment include high-quality sodium heparin, which is used as the initial substance, which compares favorably with its cheap counterparts. Also, this ointment can be used in infants, especially in the complex therapy of soft tissue injuries during birth injuries. However, the ointment should not be used in case of open wounds, during pregnancy and lactation. But when applied to small areas of the 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 in order to avoid the risk of increased bleeding during childbirth. An overdose of this ointment has not been noted, but it must be remembered that it cannot be combined with medications that contain salicylic acid, for example, aspirin and corticosteroid hormones.

Hepatrombin

Popularity rating: 4.8

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

Usually, in uncomplicated cases, the ointment must be applied and rubbed in with light movements, always in the direction of the venous blood flow, from bottom to top. For a single use, a small column of ointment is enough, no more than 5 cm long. At night, dressings with ointment are shown. It is necessary to apply the ointment twice a day, in the morning and before going to bed, but for milder forms and the initial signs of varicose veins, only evening application can be recommended. The course of application is about 2 weeks. This ointment is produced by the Serbian company Hemofarm, and one package of hepatrombin in a tube weighing 40 g can be purchased at prices ranging from 245 to 340 rubles. in retail.

Advantages and disadvantages

Hepatrombin compares favorably with pure sodium heparin by the addition of dermatotropic drugs that improve the trophic function of the skin. Therefore, it is most profitable to use it at those stages of varicose veins when spider veins are already formed and the phenomena of varicose dermatitis occur. But in order to distinguish venous dermatitis from other conditions, the consultation of a vascular surgeon is imperative. This will avoid mistakes when choosing funds. This ointment is contraindicated for use with open skin lesions, in the presence of malignant neoplasms, and with suppuration, since it does not have antiseptic activity. It is not recommended to use it in the third trimester of pregnancy, with increased sensitivity 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 in patients with any income. The active substance ichthyol, which is contained in the ointment at a concentration of 10%, has a mild analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and keratoplastic effect, as a result of which the rate of maturation of skin cells increases. It is indicated for application on the site of varicose veins and on foci of varicose dermatitis once or twice a day, if necessary, it can be applied under a bandage. The basis of the ointment is medical petroleum jelly, so it must be rubbed into the skin surface with light movements. The Tula Pharmaceutical Factory produces ichthyol ointment, and a tube of 30 g of 10% ointment can be purchased at prices ranging from 86 to 147 rubles. An ointment of a higher concentration, at 20%, is not much more expensive.

Advantages and disadvantages

Perhaps the disadvantages of ichthyol ointment include its peculiar and persistent smell, so most patients with varicose veins, especially women, prefer to apply it at night. This is correct, since the petrolatum base assumes long-term absorption, over several hours. Also, patients may experience local allergic reactions, such as redness, urticaria and itching with high sensitivity to the active ingredient. It is not recommended to use this ointment for children under the age of 10, for 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 promotes the effect on nerve endings, the improvement of 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 a place in the Popularity Rating.

The best creams with anti-varicose effect

Creams, unlike ointments, have a lighter consistency, are absorbed faster into the surface layers of the skin, and although they have less penetrating power than ointments, they can be applied 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 applied at the initial stages of varicose veins, when there are no signs of venous dermatitis and the onset of trophic disorders. They are indispensable for symptoms such as swelling, aching and pressure in the legs by the end of the day, for discomfort, when phlebography does not yet show serious violations. It is the use of creams in combination with lifestyle modification and reasonable physical activity that allows you 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 plant components with the addition of troxerutin. These are extracts of red grapes and horse chestnut, hazelnut extract. Additionally, this cream contains an extract of medicinal leeches, which contains hirudin, or a substance with an anticoagulant effect.

This remedy for varicose veins has a strengthening effect on the capillary walls, optimizes tissue metabolism, and reduces symptoms such as fatigue and swelling in the legs by the end of the day. The action 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 gently rubbed into the skin with the help of massage movements. This cream is produced by the domestic company Nasha Mama, 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 legs after childbirth, and is very good as preparation for childbirth together with wearing compression underwear.

Normal for legs

Popularity rating: 4.8

This cream belongs to parapharmaceuticals, and contains a rich complex of active substances. These are chestnut and green tea extract, lingonberry and arnica, ginkgo biloba extract. Additionally, it contains panthenol, lemon oil, a complex of vitamins, wormwood extract. This rich combination of active ingredients allows Normaven to exhibit many effects, from venotonic to antioxidant. This cream not only reduces fatigue and relieves swelling, but also improves the color and appearance of the skin due to lemon oil. It gives a slight whitening effect, the contours of the spider veins are weakened.

It is advisable to rub this cream into the skin of the feet daily, three times a day for 3 minutes. Also, the product is available in the form of a spray that can even be applied over stockings. This cream is produced by the domestic company ZAO Vertex, 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 parapharmaceutical products. 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 remedy will no longer have the necessary effect, 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. A contraindication will only be 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 number of various domestic and foreign drugs. The main difference between the gel and the cream and the ointment is fast drying, transparent color and light consistency, and the formation of a protective film on the skin surface. The gel is not able to penetrate deeply, so it must be used only at the initial stages of the disease and for prevention. A common plus for all gels is the absence of marks on clothes and greasy spots on the hands, since the base for the gels is not fat-soluble, but water-soluble or alcoholic.

Venitan (escin)

Popularity rating: 4.9

Gel Venitan for varicose veins is a representative of local remedies that contain escin, or horse chestnut extract. This agent is used to reduce the capillary permeability of the soft tissues of the lower extremities, and belong to the representatives of venotonic. Gel Venitan is able to eliminate edema, reduce the symptoms of aching and heaviness in the legs and improve venous blood flow. The decrease in capillary permeability caused by escin leads to the normalization of tissue pressure, and prevents the overflow into the superficial veins of the leg, as a result, improving the drainage function of the deep veins. This remedy is used mainly in the initial stages of the disease, but according to indications it can also be used in the advanced 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 'Salutas Pharma'. 1 tube of 50 g of gel costs from 250 to 380 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Venitana include its high efficiency, but only at the initial stages of varicose veins can it be used as monotherapy, without the support of other drugs, and without wearing compression underwear, with the exception of stockings of a zero, prophylactic class.

Venitan is not applied to trophic ulcers and wounds, it must be carefully applied to patients with a tendency 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, you do not need to massage the surface. Of the contraindications, there is only hypersensitivity to Venitan, and of the side effects, allergic reactions are possible. The gel is not applicable to children.

Dyclogen

Popularity rating: 4.8

Diclogen belongs to a completely different group of drugs – NSAIDs, and contains diclofenac. It does not belong to anticoagulants, and does not prevent blood plasma from entering 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 associated with edema and stagnation of fluid are accompanied by deformation of the venous valves, destruction of tissues and the release of biogenic amines and inflammatory mediators into the intercellular space. This is where Diclogen is needed, the active ingredient of which is Diclofenac. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, helps to reduce redness, soreness, and edema, which is caused not 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 weakening of pain, and especially in those stages of varicose veins when there are already signs of varicose dermatitis. Perhaps this is the only exception from 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 not more than 2 weeks. Light rubbing into the skin surface is allowed. Diclogen is produced by the Indian pharmaceutical company Ajio Pharmaceutical, and a large tube weighing 50 g of five percent diclofenac costs from 180 to 200 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

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

Detragel

Popularity rating: 4.7

This gel for varicose veins is produced by the English company Bosnalek, and is very expensive. 1 tube weighing 40 g will cost you from 470 to 620 rubles. At the same time, Detragel is a bit similar to those drugs that were listed at the beginning of the Popularity Rating, or ointments with sodium heparin. But such a high cost is due to the fact that the manufacturers were able to transform the form of the gel and introduce additional horse chestnut extract, or in combination with social phospholipids. The result is a highly effective topical agent that has an antithrombotic anticoagulant effect, together with a pronounced metallic effect. As a result of using this gel, stagnation in the superficial veins decreases, the capillary wall becomes less brittle, 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 at the initial stages of the disease, and as complex therapy for advanced symptoms. Also, this remedy is indicated for the resorption of bruises in trauma, including bruises and sprains. The hydrogel is applied to intact skin with light movements, no more than three times a day. If necessary, you can use it as a bandage under compression underwear. Means without a doctor's prescription should not be applied for more than 15 days.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Detragel include a highly effective and complex action, and, despite the relatively high cost, it can immediately replace two drugs. The gel-like consistency makes it easy to use, the gel does not stain the laundry. But, nevertheless, there are contraindications for 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, although 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.

Anti-Stax gel with double cooling effect

Popularity rating: 4.7

This remedy belongs to cosmetics, 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 leaves extract, peppermint oil, menthol, and excipients. It is indicated for the prevention and treatment of the initial stages of varicose veins as a monopreparation, and in complex therapy it can also be used in 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 due to improved microcirculation and cooling effect. The manufacturing company recommends to store this gel in the refrigerator to enhance the effect and apply it at least 2 times a day, and if necessary, during the day. Antistax, despite its cosmetic purpose, will be, perhaps, the most expensive in the entire Rating of the popularity of local remedies for the symptomatic treatment of the initial stages of varicose veins. A 125ml tube will cost you from 850 to 1400 rubles. It is produced by the famous German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim.

Advantages and disadvantages

The disadvantage of this remedy, like other cosmetic preparations, is considered to be a rather low efficiency and the inability to use it 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 compression linen, which is prescribed doctor.

But in the event that the patient has only 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 reducing symptoms, then Antistax gel with a double cooling effect is perfect for removing unpleasant sensations. It is well tolerated, and only intolerance to individual components is considered a contraindication. Of course, this gel is quite expensive and not everyone can get it. But if it is used correctly, then even a single application of it 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 best-known topical agent for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. The active ingredient is troxerutin, additional substances and a gel base. The action of troxerutin is based on the effect of vitamin P, which is exhibited by a mixture of special rutin derivatives. As a result of local application of the gel, antiexudative, capillarotonic and hemostatic action develops. 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 pain, and with varicose dermatitis. Troxevasin is applied only externally, until completely absorbed, twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. The product can be used under bandages or under compression garments. Troxevasin is indicated for long-term use, and to enhance the effect, the manufacturer recommends combining the application of the gel with taking Troxevasin capsules. This gel is produced by the Balkanfarma enterprise, and the cost of one tube weighing 40 g ranges from 160 to 220 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Troxevasin is the ability to use it in combination with other local agents. Moreover, 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 routine, allergic reactions may develop – redness and itching, which is rare.

Various local remedies for the treatment of varicose veins are used very widely in the initial stages of this disease. But it must be remembered that lifestyle modification plays a major role in treatment. Incompatible varicose veins and increased sports loads, squats with weights and jumps. But swimming and comfortable walking are shown.

It is imperative to exclude spicy and salty food, coffee and reduce the use of flour and sausage products, canned food. Long-term sitting, standing is strictly prohibited. It is undesirable to use 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 slight angle. Drinking a sufficient amount of clean water is allowed, which removes toxins. The rejection of bad habits is important, the use of a contrast shower is useful. Finally, the inclusion of vegetables and fruits in the daily diet to prevent constipation will also bear fruit, in which case the treatment of the initial manifestations of varicose veins will be more successful and comfortable.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.