Do varicose vein creams really work?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that often appear on the legs. They can cause discomfort, aching, or tiredness in your legs. Many people try at-home options before seeing a doctor – one of the most common is using a varicose veins cream.

You’ll see many creams for varicose veins in shops and online. They often claim to reduce swelling, ease pain, and improve how your legs look. Some are sold as varicose veins treatment cream or even varicose vein removal cream. But do they actually work?

In this article, we explore whether a cream for varicose veins can truly help, and what you need to know before using one.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins occur when the tiny valves inside your veins stop working properly. This causes blood to flow backwards and build up, making the vein stretch and swell. The result is bulging, twisted veins, usually on your legs. Over time they can also cause aching, heaviness, or swelling. 

Because of the way they look and discomfort they can cause, some people try varicose vein relief cream. These are often sold as at home remedies to reduce swelling, but how much can a cream really do?

Understanding the cause of varicose veins helps explain why even the best cream for varicose veins may only offer short-term relief.

What do varicose veins creams claim to do?

Varicose vein treatment creams often promise quick, at-home relief. You’ll find a range of these creams on the market with many claiming to: 

• Improve blood circulation in the legs
• Strengthen the walls of your veins
• Reduce swelling, heaviness, or discomfort
• Soothe tired or aching legs
• Fade the appearance of bulging or discoloured veins

Some products take it one step further, calling themselves varicose vein removal creams or treatment creams. These suggest they can make veins disappear or reverse the condition, something no cream can do on its own.

While it can be tempting to believe these claims, it’s important to know that creams can only work on the surface of the skin, helping reduce symptoms of varicose veins. They can’t reach the deeper veins where the real problem begins.

What ingredients are typically found in varicose veins cream?

Many varicose vein creams and topical treatments for both varicose and spider veins share similar ingredients. These are often plant-based or vitamin-enriched ingredients that aim to reduce inflammation.

Horse Chestnut Extract (Aescin):

Horse chestnut is a plant extract often found in varicose vein creams and supplements. Its main active ingredient is called aescin, which is thought to help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. It works by tightening vein walls and reducing inflammation, which may help veins function better.

Whilst it can provide some comfort, it definitely isn’t a cure.

Butcher’s Broom:

Butcher’s broom is a plant extract that is sometimes used in creams or supplements for vein health. It’s thought to help tighten blood vessels and reduce swelling. Some people use it to ease leg discomfort linked to poor circulation.

Vitamin K:

Vitamin K is sometimes included in varicose vein creams to help with skin healing. It may reduce bruising, improve skin tone, and support healthy blood clotting. While it can help the skin on your legs look better, it doesn’t treat the underlying vein problem causing varicose veins.

Retinol:

Retinol is a form of vitamin A often used in skincare to improve skin texture and tone. In varicose vein creams, it may help by making the skin appear smoother and reducing the visibility of surface veins. While retinol can improve the look of the skin, it doesn’t reach or repair the deeper veins affected by varicose vein disease. Its benefits are cosmetic, not medical.

Arnica, Hesperidin, and Diosmin:

Arnica is a natural plant extract that may help reduce bruising, swelling, and soreness, making legs feel more comfortable. Hesperidin and Diosmin are plant compounds commonly found in citrus fruits. They’re thought to support blood flow, strengthen blood vessels, and ease symptoms like heavy or tired legs.

Do varicose veins creams really work?

Varicose vein creams do not treat the underlying causes of varicose veins. While some may offer temporary relief – like soothing the skin or reducing mild swelling – they cannot repair the damaged valves or poor blood flow that cause varicose veins to develop. These creams only affect the skin’s surface, so any visible improvement is usually short-lived.

Many creams include natural ingredients such as horse chestnut extract or vitamin K, which may help reduce discomfort or improve skin appearance. Small studies suggest that horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) can reduce symptoms like leg pain and heaviness in the short term. However, larger reviews; including those by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Cochrane Library, have found that topical products do not reverse or remove varicose veins.

Using creams without seeking proper medical advice can also delay diagnosis and necessary treatment. Some products may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin, so it’s important to do your research before committing to a varicose vein cream. 

“It’s completely understandable that patients want a simple solution they can try at home – but the reality is, no cream can replace proper assessment and evidence-based care. We often see people who’ve tried multiple products without success, only to find that a straightforward medical treatment gives them lasting relief. Knowing when to seek help can make all the difference.”

Mr Ed Sideso, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, UK Vein Clinic

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‍When might varicose veins creams be helpful?

Although varicose vein creams don’t treat the damaged veins themselves, they may help ease mild symptoms. Some people find temporary relief from heaviness, itching, or slight swelling, especially after standing or sitting for long periods.

The natural ingredients used can help soothe dry or irritated skin leaving legs feeling lighter and more comfortable. These varicose vein creams can be a helpful aid in a holistic routine to make your legs feel better. 

However, it’s important to remember that creams can’t fix faulty vein valves. They may be a helpful addition alongside other healthy habits such as exercise, leg elevation, or wearing compression stockings, but they’re not a replacement for medical treatment. For lasting results, a clinical assessment is important to see whether varicose vein removal treatments are suitable.

What shrinks varicose veins naturally?

Healthy habits can’t remove varicose veins, but they can ease symptoms and help stop them from getting worse. Simple changes like staying active and caring for your legs can support better circulation and reduce discomfort.

• Keep moving – Activities like walking or swimming help blood flow and stop it from pooling in your legs.
• Watch your weight – A balanced diet and healthy weight take pressure off your veins.
• Put your feet up – Raising your legs above heart level during the day can ease swelling.
• Break up long sitting or standing – If you’re in one position for too long, try to move or flex your legs regularly.
• Use compression stockings – These gently squeeze the legs to support blood flow and reduce daily symptoms.

These steps can improve how your legs feel day to day, but for lasting results, medical treatment is needed to properly close or remove damaged veins.

What is the best way to treat varicose veins?

To treat varicose veins properly, you need to fix the cause, faulty valves and poor blood flow, not just the way they look. Creams and home remedies may help with comfort, but they can’t close or remove damaged veins.

The most effective treatments are medical procedures that seal off or remove the problem veins, allowing blood to flow through healthier ones instead. Modern varicose vein treatment options are recommended by clinical experts and are safe, quick, and minimally invasive.

Common treatments include:

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): A thin catheter delivers heat to close the faulty vein.
• Foam sclerotherapy: A special foam is injected to collapse and seal the vein.

Both are done under local anaesthetic, so you can go home the same day and get back to normal life quickly.

References 

NICE Clinical Guideline 168: Varicose veins in the legs: diagnosis and management, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2013.

Pittler MH, Ernst E. Horse-chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(11):CD003230.

O’Brien J, et al. Topical treatments for chronic venous disease. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2019;7(1):151–159.