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Pharmacy Care provides information about self-care, that is how to treat minor medical conditions with products available at the pharmacy. Find out how your pharmacist can help you to manage minor conditions yourself.
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Varicose veins are enlarged, prominent veins usually found on the legs. Varicose veins can look twisted or bulging, and are usually blue or dark purple. Many people with varicose veins will not have any other symptoms, but sometimes they can be painful and can cause aching, throbbing or itching. These symptoms tend to be worse if you have been on your feet for a long time.
Varicose veins develop when blood pools in the veins, causing them to enlarge. The reasons some people develop varicose veins are not fully understood, but some risk factors have been identified.
Varicose veins do not always need to be treated, but people who
experience pain or discomfort or develop complications, such as leg
ulcers, may require treatment. Others may wish to have treatment for
cosmetic reasons.
Risk factors for varicose veins
being female
increasing age
pregnancy
family history of varicose veins
being overweight
having a job which involves standing for long periods
Deep vein thrombosis and air travel
Blood clots are formed when your blood stops moving and coagulates. If a clot, or thrombus, forms in the deep veins of the legs, this is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If all or part of this clot is dislodged, it can travel through your blood circulation and cause a blockage in the narrower blood vessels of your heart or lungs.
Air travel of more than 4 hours increases the risk of DVT. This is thought to be due to many factors, such as reduced cabin pressure in the aircraft at high altitudes, reduced movement in cramped conditions and dehydration. This causes fluid to move from your blood vessels into the surrounding tissue, causing thickening of the blood and making clots more likely to form. In addition, the blood in your legs moves less.
Normal movement of the calf muscles when walking helps to pump blood from the legs to the heart, but this doesn’t happen when you sit still for long periods, making clots more likely to form.
Research suggests that air travel can increase your risk of DVT two- to three-fold. However, it is important to realise it is not just long-distance air travel or flying economy class that puts people at risk of DVT. Sitting in one position for too long is a major factor and this can also occur during long bus, car or train journeys.
Risk factors for DVT
being over 40 years of age
being overweight
heart failure
pregnancy or having recently given birth
cancer
varicose veins
taking medications containing oestrogen, such as the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
chronic health conditions such as heart disease and blood disorders
recent major surgery or trauma, particularly involving the lower limbs
previous history of DVT
family history of DVT
smoking
long-distance flights
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
if your varicose veins are causing pain or discomfort
if the skin on your legs is discoloured, swollen, broken or weeping
if your varicose veins are getting worse despite self-management
if you are concerned about the appearance of your varicose veins
if you are planning a long-distance flight and you think you may be at risk of developing DVT
Treatment Tips
Prevention of varicose veins
maintain a healthy weight
exercise regularly
give up smoking
avoid standing or sitting still for long periods
avoid high-heeled shoes and tight-fitting clothes around or below the waist
rest for short periods with your legs elevated above the level of your heart
if you have varicose veins, discuss wearing support stockings with your pharmacist or doctor
Prevention of DVT
drink plenty of water
go easy on alcohol and caffeine during the flight
do ankle and knee exercises while seated at least every half hour
wriggle toes frequently
walk down the aisles regularly, or if travelling by car, stop frequently and take a walk
consider wearing support stockings; ask your pharmacist for advice
take only short naps unless you are in a sleeping position
seek medical advice prior to flying if you have any of the above risk factors
Treatment Options
aspirin is not recommended to prevent DVT from occurring during air travel
support stockings, also known as graduated compression hosiery, help blood to flow from the lower legs back towards the heart
support stockings are tightest at the ankle and become gradually less tight as they go up the leg; this helps to move blood gently up your legs and prevents it from pooling
compression hosiery is classified into three different grades: class 1 (light), class 2 (moderate) and class 3 (extra firm):
class 1 compression is recommended for people with tired aching legs, mild varicose veins, mild ankle swelling, and to prevent ankles and feet swelling during long flights, e.g. Scholl Flight Socks
class 2 compression is used for people with moderate to severe varicose veins, pronounced ankle swelling after vein surgery, and to prevent recurrence of venous leg ulcers
class 3 compression is used for people with severe varicose veins or ankle swelling, active leg ulcers and to prevent leg ulcers recurring
your pharmacist can measure you to ensure the correct fit
measurements for support stockings are best taken as early as possible in the morning
after washing do not dry support stockings in a clothes dryer; refer to manufacturer’s information for laundry details
wear rubber gloves when putting on support stockings to prevent fingernails and jewellery snagging the stockings
trim rough nails on hands and feet to avoid snagging the stockings
TED stockings are prescribed by doctors and used in the hospital setting. They should not be used to treat or prevent varicose veins or as travel socks
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