Varicose veins are pathologically dilated vessels of the skin visible under the epidermis. They are superficial lesions. They do not protrude from the skin. They appear in various parts of the body, but their presence is more frequent in the legs. The presence of varicose veins often accompanies them. They are more common in women, especially those with a family history of venous disease.
Varicose veins vary in diameter from 0.1 mm to 8 mm. They may appear singly or as extensive venous formations with arachnoid or tufted form. There are, therefore, small varicose veins with a diameter of 0.1-1 mm and a red color, large diameter varicose veins with a diameter of 1-2 mm and a blue color, varicose veins with a diameter of 2-4 mm and a blue color.
The causes of varicose veins are not clearly defined, but heredity is considered to play a dominant role.
Other risk factors for their appearance are:
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Use of contraceptives
- Standing - a way of life
- Obesity
Radiation
- Exposure to the sun
- Autoimmune Diseases
Treatment
The method of choice, i.e., the way recommended worldwide by the scientific community as the best for treating varicose veins, is sclerotherapy. Its basic principle is injecting a drug substance into the vein to destroy its inner wall so that it turns into a fibrous string over time. Today's drugs have at least 50 years of proven effectiveness and safety.
The number of sessions necessary for treatment depends on the extent of the problem and the response of the vessels to the treatment. But 3-4 sessions with an interval of 3 weeks are usually recommended.
After each session, the patient can continue his day normally. Still, it is expected that there will be exudations on the skin (bruises) or mild irritation, which will disappear in 10-15 days. Immediately after the treatment, the patient will have to wear a graded compression stocking, which will need to stay on for a certain amount of time, depending on the size of the treated veins. Bathing is not prohibited, but the patient must use lukewarm water and must avoid hot baths or saunas for a week or so.
Exposure to solar and UV radiation must also be avoided for two weeks. Exercise and daily activities are allowed immediately after each session. In contrast, vigorous physical activity is permitted after one week help of complex algorithms.
