Viral ad for ‘Varicose Relief’ oil debunked

Hyderabad: An advertisement for a glycerine-based oil called “Varicose Relief” is doing the rounds on social media with claims that it can treat varicose veins, infections, eczema, and what not.

The post lists the following uses of the oil:

· Definitive treatment of varicose veins.

· Discoloration of the skin, sores and even infections of the soft tissue near the ankles.

· Cramps in the calves at night, feeling of ants crawling in the legs.

· Relieves pain, leg heaviness, cramps and bruises. Support venous blood circulation, improve and maintain the body’s muscle and nerve function.

· Treat inflamed skin, blue tendons along thighs, ankles or knees.

Varicose veins can be really discomforting and painful. Can any oil help treat varicose veins in a week?

FACT CHECK

NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading.

Mayo Clinic describes varicose veins as twisted, enlarged veins. “Any vein that is close to the skin’s surface (superficial) can become varicosed. Varicose veins most commonly affect the veins in the legs. That’s because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body,” it said.

There are certain risk factors when it comes to varicose veins such as age, sex, pregnancy, family history, obesity, and standing or sitting for long periods of time. Unlike genetics, lifestyle makes a huge difference.

So, can oil massage treat varicose veins?

The Vein Institute says, “Most of the essential oils, used with massage, promote circulation and reduce swelling, further reducing your symptoms of varicose veins. Despite popular opinion, essential oils, along with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, will not treat your already developed varicose veins.”

Moving further, Veins and Varicose Institute explains how massage therapy is not an effective treatment for varicose veins for many reasons. “From a medical standpoint, the underlying cause of varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, is not alleviated by massage. Venous insufficiency is a condition that occurs when the venous walls or “valves” of the legs are not functioning properly, meaning blood pools up instead of circulating throughout the legs. This causes painful swelling and skin color changes,” it reads.

“Massage therapy is effective for relieving the swelling and discomfort associated with chronic venous insufficiency, but it will not re-circulate the blood and “cure” the condition,” it adds.

Now that we know massage is a temporary solution, here is why you must seek your doctor’s advice.

Healthline suggests, “When self-care isn’t enough, your doctor may recommend a more invasive treatment.” It lists the following options:

· Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected into the varicose veins. This seals the veins and helps them fade.

· Laser surgery: Powerful bursts of light are transmitted into the veins. This causes the vein to fade and eventually go away.

· Catheter-assisted surgery: The tip of a catheter is heated using radiofrequency or laser energy and inserted into a large vein. As the catheter is removed, it collapses the vein.

· Vein stripping: Large veins are tied off and removed through small incisions.

· Phlebectomy: Small veins are removed through tiny skin punctures.

· Endoscopic surgery: Under the guidance of a video camera, large, ulcerated veins are removed through small incisions.’

From the above investigation, it is clear that there is no magical antidote for varicose veins that can potentially treat the condition in a week. Moreover, a massage is only a temporary solution but not a treatment for the condition.