Varicose veins is a pathological process characterized by dilation of the vessels that carry blood to the heart, their deformation, as well as the development of valve failure with functional disorders. later. The obvious sign of the disease is veins protruding from the surface of the skin, rough, and nutritional sores appear.
But the main danger of varicose veins is that the blood becomes stagnant and develops into thrombophlebitis, a circulatory disorder. To completely treat this disease, a number of methods are used, of which drug treatment and surgery are the most needed and effective. In addition, ointments and gels for varicose veins are very often used as adjuvant treatments, and we will talk about them.
Purpose and ointments for varicose veins
First of all, I would like to note that ointments and gels are used at all stages of the development of the disease and, depending on the period of application, have a different effect:
- In the early stages of varicose veins, gels and ointments allow to limit the progression of the pathological process, prevent vascular deformation and thinning of the vessel wall.
- In the later stage, the goal is also to keep the disease from progressing. However, in addition, topical products help improve blood circulation, prevent serious congestion and are also aimed at fighting symptoms, including pain, swelling, cramps, and changes in skin pigmentation. and more.
- In addition, the use of ointments and gels is often prescribed by a doctor after surgery for varicose veins. In this case, an acceleration of recovery time, healing not only of superficial tissues, but also internal structures can be achieved. In addition, depending on the properties of the drug, certain gels and ointments can reduce swelling, reduce inflammation and stop other unpleasant effects caused by certain types of surgery.
Among ointments and gels, there are those that are divided into several groups. Drug selection should be based on clinical signs, which may look like this:
- Increased leg fatigue, painful sensation, feeling of stiffness;
- Swollen veins (this symptom is associated with most stages of varicose veins, the severity of the symptom is important);
- Puffiness, how intense they are;
- Convulsions, usually at night;
- Changes the skin pigmentation, the skin may appear bluish in color.
It is also important to understand that using ointments or gels cannot cure varicose veins, but these drugs can actually reduce the intensity of individual symptoms, somewhat improving. condition of the blood vessels and prevent the development of pathology.
In addition, before using any of the medicines described below, you must consult a vein specialist.
Phlebotonics
The drugs of this group are the basis of the medical treatment of varicose veins, they are prescribed both in the form of tablets and ointments. These medications are designed to improve blood circulation, prevent the process from stagnating. They increase lymphatic flow and vascular tone, to some extent reduce the intensity of edema, and at the same time eliminate a feeling of heaviness and fatigue in the legs.
Anticoagulants
Their main feature is to thin the blood, which is important at certain stages of varicose veins, as well as in cases of progressive pathologies based on an increase in platelet concentrations. in blood. The fact that blood becomes less viscous, its circulation through the vascular bed is facilitated, respectively, blood circulation is normalized and stagnant processes are eliminated. In addition, anticoagulants prevent blood clots from forming.
Considering the properties described, drugs of this group help to reduce swelling in the legs, eliminate pain by reducing congestion, and fight feelings of tension and fatigue. In addition, anticoagulants prevent the development of complications such as thrombophlebitis or the formation of nutritional sores.
Anti-inflammatory
Venous surgeons, based on the obtained diagnostic data, can prescribe topical anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments or gels for patients with varicose veins.
A prominent example is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which effectively eliminates sensations of pain, as well as has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
Ointment based on natural ingredients
Such drugs are prescribed primarily in the early stages of varicose veins, are used to treat pregnant women or they replace previously described drugs tostop the treatment.
The foregoing is due to products with natural ingredients, usually plants, which are more economical. Furthermore, they can be used continuously, unlike the groups of drugs used in a course, after which it is important to rest.
The difference between ointment and gel
Basically, the ointments and gels bought from the pharmacy are similar drugs. They are equally applicable if these are drugs of the same group, have identical therapeutic effects, moreover, they even contain the same chemical ingredients.
In terms of differences they are few and far between:
- Ointment is produced on the basis of fat, both vegetable and animal. It is also important to understand that the active ingredients in the ointment do not dissolve completely, leaving their original chemical structure intact. Because of these features, the ointment must 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 inadequate;
- A special feature of gels is that they are water-derived and the active ingredients in their composition are completely dissolved. Thanks to these factors, the gel is absorbed much faster.
As mentioned earlier, any medicine, including ointments and topical gels, should be prescribed by the attending physician.