Ointments and gels for varicose veins, the difference between them

Varicose veins are a pathological process characterized by dilation of blood vessels that transport blood to the heart, their deformation, as well as the development of valve insufficiency with subsequent dysfunction. A clear sign of the disease are the veins that appear on the surface of the skin, their tuberosity, the appearance of trophic ulcers.

But the main risk of varicose veins is blood stasis and the development of thrombophlebitis, ie circulatory disorders. For a complete treatment of the disease, a number of measures are used, among which drug therapy and surgery are the most required and effective. In addition, oils and vases for varicose veins are very often used as an adjunct treatment, and we will talk about them.

Purpose and types of oils for varicose veins

First, I would like to point out that oils and gels are used at all stages of disease development and, depending on the period of application, are intended to give a different effect:

1. In the initial stages of varicose veins, gels and oils allow to inhibit the progression of the pathological process, preventing the deformation of blood vessels and thinning of the walls of blood vessels.
2. In later stages, the goal is also to prevent the disease from progressing. However, in addition, external agents help improve blood circulation, prevent serious stagnation and also aim at combating symptoms including pain, swelling, cramps, changes in skin pigmentation and much more.
3. Furthermore, the use of oils 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 not only the superficial tissues, but also the internal structures. In addition, depending on the properties of the medicine, certain gels and ointments relieve possible swelling, reduce inflammation, and prevent other unpleasant effects caused by certain types of surgery.

Among oils and gels, there are medicines that are divided into several groups. The choice of medication should be based on clinical signs, which may be as follows:

1. Increased leg fatigue, painful sensations, feeling of tightness;
2. Swollen veins (this symptom accompanies almost all stages of varicose veins, the severity of the symptom is important);
3. Puffiness, their intensity;
4. Convulsions, usually at night;
5. Change in skin pigmentation, the skin may take on a bluish tinge.

It is also important to understand that the use of oils or gels can not cure varicose veins, but these funds can really reduce the intensity of individual symptoms, somewhat improve the condition of blood vessels andprevent the development of pathology.

Furthermore, before using any of the medicines described below, you should consult a phlebologist.

Phlebotonics

Drugs of this group form the basis of medical treatment of varicose veins, they are prescribed in the form of tablets as well as in the form of oils. These drugs are designed to improve blood circulation, which prevents stagnant processes. They increase the flow of lymphatic and vascular tone, to some extent reduce the intensity of edema, and also eliminate the feeling of heaviness and fatigue in the legs.

Anticoagulants

Their main property is blood thinning, which is very important at certain stages of varicose veins, as well as in cases where the pathology persists against the background of an increased concentration of platelets in the blood. Given the fact that the blood becomes less thick, the process of its circulation through the vascular bed is facilitated, respectively, the process of blood circulation is normalized and stagnant processes are eliminated. Also, anticoagulants prevent the formation of blood clots.

Considering the described properties, the medicines of this group help to reduce edema in the legs, eliminate pain by relieving congestion and fight 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 diagnostic data obtained, may prescribe topical anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of oils or gels for a patient with varicose veins.

A great example is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which effectively eliminate painful sensations as well as have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

Ointments based on natural ingredients

Such drugs are prescribed mainly in the initial stages of varicose veins, are used to treat pregnant women, or they replace the previously prescribed medication in order to take a break from the course of treatment.

This is due to the fact that products based on natural ingredients, most often herbal, act more sparingly. Moreover, they can be used continuously, unlike the groups of medicines used in a course, after which it is important to take a break.

Difference between oils and gels

In fact, medicated oils and gels bought at the pharmacy are similar medicines. They are applied in the same way if these are drugs of the same group, have an identical therapeutic effect, moreover, they even contain the same chemical ingredients.

In terms of changes, they are few:

1. Ointments are made on the basis of fats, both vegetable and animal. It is also important to understand that the active ingredients in oils do not dissolve completely, retaining their original chemical structure. Due to these characteristics, the oil should be rubbed into the skin more carefully and even after that it is necessary to wait from 5 to 15 minutes until it is completely absorbed, otherwise the therapeutic effect will be incomplete;
2. A distinctive feature of gels is the fact that they are water-based and the medicinal ingredients in their composition are completely dissolved. Thanks to these factors, the gel is absorbed much faster.

As mentioned earlier, any medication, including varicose vein oils and gels for external use, should be prescribed by the attending physician.