Many people believe that if they begin to treat those unsightly little spider veins the minute they appear, they will be able to keep them from developing into more noticeable ones. They begin to research topical treatments such as creams, lotions, essential oils, and a host of other products that promise to make their legs look and feel young once again. Here at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center, a vein treatment center in Orlando, we want to help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to treating spider and varicose veins and your venous health.
Many of the ingredients found in theses “wonder creams” may indeed temporarily improve the appearance of your skin, but they will do very little to alleviate the real symptoms associated with varicose veins, such as pain, swelling, and discoloration. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular ingredients:
- Vitamin K: Found mainly in leafy, dark green vegetables, vitamin K is often sought for its ability to diminish the appearance of rosacea and localized bruises. While it may work temporarily to dissipate the look of spider veins, it is not effective on larger varicose veins and must be used regularly to continue any measure of effectiveness. Vitamin K assists your body in clotting blood, which is counterintuitive to those with varicose veins.
- Horse Chestnut: Horse chestnut is primarily grown in Greece and Bulgaria and has historically been used in the treatment of venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory capabilities. Horse chestnut doesn’t cure spider or varicose veins as it just helps to relieve symptoms, and must be used regularly to achieve its effect.
- Butcher’s Broom: Butcher’s broom is an herb that is also thought to reduce inflammation and swelling within the circulatory system and, therefore, will “tighten” veins to stop varicose veins from developing. Butcher’s broom has also been used in the treatment of venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids. It does not provide long-term relief or cure.
Spider and varicose veins begin beneath the surface of the skin and some develop deeper. When the valves in the veins stop working appropriately, blood begins to pool behind the valve which causes the vein to swell as the blood collects. Eventually, the vein begins to bulge, which results in the discoloration observed and is typically accompanied by swelling, pain, itching, discoloration, and a feeling of achiness. It should come as no surprise then that topical treatments are not able to eliminate spider or varicose veins as they cannot penetrate or be absorbed deep enough to work.
The great news is that there are treatment options available to help you eliminate those unsightly spider and varicose veins AND eliminate the symptoms associated with them. Contact Dr. Richard Bragg and his expert staff for vein treatment center Orlando at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center. Call us today at 407-805-8989 to take the first step to improving your vein health.