No, this viral cream cannot treat varicose veins

Hyderabad: An advertisement claims that a medicated cream can cure varicose veins completely. The viral ad says ‘Varicose Vein Cream’ can even treat prolonged conditions of varicose veins.

According to Mayo Clinic, “Varicose veins are 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’.”

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is false.

We contacted our expert, Dr. Narendranadh Meda, senior consultant, vascular and endovascular surgeon at KIMS Hospitals, to debunk the claim.

“The answer is simple: No. Unfortunately, creams for varicose veins, lotions, and essential oils do not fix the malfunctioning vein valves. Varicose veins are due to venous insufficiency secondary to damaged vein valves which leads to pooling of blood in the leg veins. These creams only moisturise the skin’s surface and do not have any effect on resolving varicose veins,” Dr. Meda said.

“There are medical creams for varicose veins in the market that are applied to the skin’s surface to reduce swelling. However, they don’t fix the underlying condition. They may help to improve the skin texture and reduce itching, but unless you correct the underlying problem, they don’ resolve,” he explained.

Dr. Meda said that other creams for varicose veins prescribed after treatment can help reduce swelling, soothe the skin, and help heal superficial bruising. “Once the damaged veins are fixed, using lotions and creams for varicose veins that doctors use to assist in the healing process are good to use. These creams for varicose veins do not cure the varicose veins; they work to minimise inflammation after treatment,” he added.

The definitive treatment for varicose vein is ablation therapies/occlusion therapies like Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), RFA, glue therapy as well as Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy work to close off malfunctioning veins. As those veins are closed off, blood is naturally rerouted to healthier, stronger veins. Once blood flow is rerouted, the damaged veins are reabsorbed within the body.