Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening todayCreams for Varicose Veins – Do They Actually Work?
Any time we have a cosmetic or health issue we all wish for that magic bullet. The one thing that will instantly bring us relief from whatever we are suffering.
There are several Varicose Vein creams on the market today. Some are inexpensive drug store versions and others are sold in only high-end shops costing upwards of $500 a jar. While the manufacturers may offer some claims on what they can do, the proof is in the pudding (or in this case, the vein cream).
There is certainly nothing wrong with seeking alternative and natural treatment methods for varicose veins and venous insufficiency. Many people find that a combination of vitamins and herbs, as well as certain diet and lifestyle changes, help to alleviate much of the discomfort that they feel with varicose veins, while topical creams can somewhat decrease the appearance of such unsightly veins. It is, however, important to remember that while these methods may help to lessen symptoms, they are not a substitute for medical intervention and treatment.
How They Work:
Varicose vein gels and creams work by hydrating the skin. They have firming properties. Because of this they can reduce the appearance of varicose veins and provide some relief from the discomfort associated with them. Some will argue that these potions can prevent varicose veins from forming in the first place when used as a preventative measure. This is simply not true.
The fallacy in this argument is that, although varicose veins can be blamed, but only to a certain extent, on lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking, they are also largely due to the result of other factors that cannot be controlled. These factors include a person’s gender, age, and genetics. Venous insufficiency is passed down generationally, so if you have a family history, there isn’t much you can do to prevent them from ever appearing, even with good solid preventative measures.
While varicose veins can cause embarrassment due to a cosmetic concern, remember that they are also signaling a serious medical condition. Topical creams only treat conditions that can be seen on the surface, so while they may help in reducing the appearance of your varicose veins, they can generally do nothing to treat the venous insufficiency that lies below the surface. To truly treat venous insufficiency at its source, you must be willing to be examined by a doctor and follow any further recommendations for invasive or minimally invasive treatments.
The question is not whether or not varicose vein creams and gels work, because to some extent they certainly do – the question is whether or not using them is adequate to treat the potentially serious medical condition that is lies beneath the surface.
If you’d like to learn more medical procedures designed specifically for treating varicose veins and other venous disorders, procedures that are relatively painless, quick, and leave little to no scarring, contact Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center today by calling (727) 712-3233 www.westfloridaveincenter.com.