Does varicose vein cream work?

For many, varicose veins cause pain and discomfort, not to mention self-consciousness when summer arrives. It’s tempting to experiment with the many creams available that claim to reduce the appearance of varicose veins and relieve discomfort. In this article, we explore how effective topical treatments are and whether there are better alternatives.

What are varicose veins?

First, it’s important to understand what you’re dealing with. Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that bulge towards the skin’s surface, usually on the legs, ankles or feet. They develop when valves within the veins become weakened and struggle to pump blood back up to the heart. Blood then pools and puts pressure on the vein walls, causing the swollen appearance of varicose veins. People with the condition often experience anxiety about how their legs look. They also live with symptoms such as discomfort, itching, aches, muscle cramps, throbbing, and swollen feet and ankles.

Will varicose vein cream make my varicose veins disappear

There are many claims made about certain topical ingredients in varicose vein cream. Anti-inflammatory and skin-boosting properties promise vein shrinkage, colour reduction, pain relief, hydration and plumping of the skin. In some cases, creams can help mask the vein’s appearance somewhat and even temporarily reduce the severity of some symptoms. However, creams cannot target the root cause of varicose veins. Neither can they stop the progressive worsening of the varicose vein, which has the potential to lead to complications further down the line. It’s also worth bearing in mind that there is no medical research to back up the efficacy of topical treatments.

Are there better options available to me?

Thankfully, extremely effective treatments are available that don’t require invasive surgery or long recovery time. And, they may ultimately work out more cost-effective than the long-term use of topical applications to reduce the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins.

Non-surgical procedures include:

• Endothermal Ablation – uses either radio waves (Radiofrequency Ablation) or a laser (Endovenous Laser Ablation) to collapse and close off the affected vein.
• Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy – injecting a chemical into the affected vein to damage the lining, causing the vein to close off.
• A combination of Radiofrequency Ablation and Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy – used to target more complex, superficial varicose veins.

Don’t be put off by the clinical names. Each treatment is carried out on a walk-in-walk-out basis, meaning you’ll be treated and back on your feet that very day, with minimal discomfort.

How we can help

Here at Premier Veins, we offer a FREE, no-obligation mini-consultation for anyone considering varicose vein treatment at one of our private clinics in Birmingham, Solihull and Rotherhithe (London). The consultation will provide you with an opportunity to:

• Meet the team of vein specialists who would be carrying out your treatment;
• Discuss our minimally invasive treatment options that come with a 12-month guarantee, and all-inclusive pricing plans; and
• Ask any questions you may have about our services.

To get started, click here and book your FREE mini-consultation or call 0333 366 2246 to speak to a member of our expert team today.