The appearance of varicose veins is not just a concern cosmetically. Far more than just skin deep, they can actually be very painful and may require proper medical treatment.
According to the NHS, varicose veins are actually very common, impacting one in five people at some point in their lives.
But despite their regularity, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the vein disease. We called on the expertise of Dr Raja, a qualified Aesthetic Doctor and General Practitioner, to find out more.
What are varicose veins?
“Varicose veins are those swollen, twisted veins you usually see on the legs and feet”, he explains. “They happen when the valves in the veins that help blood flow get weak or damaged, leading to blood pooling and veins swelling.
“These veins can be quite noticeable, often looking blue or dark purple just under the skin. While they can be a cosmetic issue for many, varicose veins can also cause discomfort, swelling and pain”.
What causes varicose veins?
There is a lot of misinformation surrounding the vein disease with causes like stress, crossing your legs or wearing high heels blamed for their appearance. This is not the case, as the doctor reveals. “Varicose veins are often due to increased pressure in the veins, which can be from standing or sitting for long periods, obesity, pregnancy and genetics”.
He adds, “Age and hormonal changes, especially in women, can also play a role. When the vein walls and valves weaken, blood can flow backwards and pool, increasing pressure and causing the veins to enlarge and become varicose”.
Do creams work for varicose veins?
Dr Raja stresses that “Creams and topical treatments for varicose veins usually don't fix the underlying issue, which is the faulty valves in the veins”.
That being said, essential oils and massage can play a part in the short term by alleviating the pain “Some creams might offer temporary relief from symptoms like swelling and discomfort, but they won't get rid of the varicose veins themselves”, he says. “These products can help improve skin appearance and alleviate minor symptoms but aren't a substitute for medical treatments that address the root cause”.
Another at-home treatment option includes compression socks that can be worn proactively or after treatment to reduce swelling, encourage circulation and reduce pain.
What cream is best for varicose veins?
“For varicose veins, creams with arnica or hirudoid are often suggested”, details Dr Raja. “Arnica cream is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce swelling and bruising related to varicose veins. However, its effects are mostly cosmetic and symptomatic”.
He also flags hirudoid cream. “These contain heparinoid, which improves blood circulation and can reduce inflammation and pain”. The doctor says however that while “It may offer symptom relief, it doesn't address the underlying valve issues causing varicose veins”.
He concludes, “For significant or persistent varicose veins, there are medical treatments that we provide in clinic such as sclerotherapy that consists of injecting a chemical solution directly into the varicose or spider vein. The solution causes the vein walls to swell, stick together and seal shut, stopping the flow of blood. As a result, the vein fades within a few weeks”.
Shop the best creams for varicose veins to improve their appearance and provide temporary relief below
Hirudoid Cream & Gel
Hirudoid creams are often recommended by doctors for alleviating the swelling of varicose veins as it has a soothing effect on the skin. The ingredient is for superficial treatment where it works to encourage blood to blow and thus calming inflammation. It may also minimise the appearance of bruising. The formula comes in cream or gel form, the latter of which may offer additional benefits thanks to its generally more cooling properties.
Buy now, The Independent Pharmacy
Varesil Varicose Vein Eliminating Cream
Another cream that is commonly suggested by the experts, Varesil will feel like a treat on swollen and tired limbs. Apply to the legs and its anti-inflammatory herbal ingredients like aloe, allantoin, potassium and more work their soothing magic by encouraging blood circulation. As a result, it can make the look of varicose veins less severe, while also combatting itching.
Buy now £20.07, Amazon
Neal’s Yard Arnica Salve 45g
Most of us are familiar with the soothing, bruise-fighting properties of arnica cream thanks to years of applying the substance to cuts, scrapes and bruises gained from the playground. This skin salve from Neal’s Yard is the perfect soothing, natural alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory gels and creams and has a wonderfully soft, balmy consistency.
Buy now £16.00, Neal’s Yard
Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Cream
Nelsons Arnicare is a formula that will have likely played a starring role in your first aid kit for years as it is one of the most popular of its product types as a herbal remedy to encourage the healing process for stubborn bruises. The main ingredient is sourced from the alpine plant Arnica montana and can be used for a whole health of pain relief for muscle aches, swelling, inflammation, joint pain, insect bites and even wound healing.
Buy now £8.50, Boots
The Organic Pharmacy Arnica Massage Oil
Arnica as a skincare ingredient is renowned for its ability to control bruising, reduce swelling and promote recovery, which is why it's recommended so often by doctors. The Organic Pharmacy Arnica Massage Oil is one of the best choices to use after injury or intense workouts, when its starring ingredient works its magic to bring your body back to its best.
Blended with both ginger and arnica, it gives a little extra buzz to the skin via the ginger, while the arnica works a little deeper to nourish from within. While it's marketed as a massage oil, this one can also be added to baths.
Buy now £36.94, The Organic Pharmacy
5Kind Varicose Veins Horse Chestnut Cream
It may not be the most stylish packaging on your bathroom shelf but what this cream from 5Kind lacks in style, it makes up for in substance. The topical treatment is made for supporting those with varicose veins and it works for spider veins too. It uses natural ingredients, namely horse chestnut, arnica, urea, and zinc oxide to combat itchiness and provide relief. Take a moment of self-care to massage it onto your limbs.
Buy now £16.77, Amazon
Kräuterhof Red Vines Leaf And Horse Chestnut Foot Cream for Varicose Veins
Kräuterhof will be your best-kept secret in soothing aching legs and feet. The horse chestnut-enriched cream reduces swelling, relieves pain and encourages better circulation when massaged onto your limbs. It also helps minimise the appearance of spider veins. It’s easily absorbed and has a pleasant aroma.
Buy now £6.90, Amazon
