Yeni Yüzyıl University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Department Faculty Member Oğuz Konukoğlu explained the things to be considered about varicose veins in the summer months.
With the increase in air temperature, it can force people with varicose diseases. Rising air temperature causes varicose veins to become more prominent on the skin and increase pain.
Exposure to the sun and heat causes our body temperature to rise. Our body has some precautionary mechanisms against this situation. For example, veins close to the skin expand to reduce body temperature. The further enlargement of the already enlarged veins in varicose patients increases the feeling of pain and tension in the leg.
Dr. Oğuz Konukoğlu made suggestions to patients with varicose veins with the arrival of summer. Konukoğlu drew attention to the following elements in his proposals:
“Wash your legs with cold water several times a day: A cold water bath causes the superficial veins to constrict. Although the veins take their old shape after the bath, performing this procedure several times during the day can reduce your complaints.
Protect your legs from direct sunlight: Wearing loose skirts or trousers woven from sile cloth, linen, cotton fabrics and covering the legs will make you comfortable under the sun. Wearing a large-area hat can also reduce body temperature.
Exercise in the morning or evening: One of the important working mechanisms of the veins is the “muscle pump”. Compressed by the calf and leg muscles, the veins pump blood upward. The most suitable sports for this purpose are jogging, walking and cycling.
Traveling: Many patients with varicose veins complain that their legs swell after long journeys. Wearing compression stockings and comfortable and loose clothing during long trips will prevent your legs from swelling at the end of the trip.
Watch out for wound formation: In severe varicose patients, the wounds formed under the knee may progress into stubborn and annoying wounds called “venous ulcers”. It is also important to take measures to minimize insect/fly bites in the summer months.
Use sunscreen: Protective sunscreen or moisturizing creams block the sun's rays. Thus, it will prevent the increase of thin capillary varicose veins by preserving the collagen structure in your veins.
Take care to drink enough water: Make it a routine to drink enough water during the day in hot weather. Water, which will be beneficial for your whole body blood circulation, will both prevent your body from being dehydrated and protect you against the risk of clot formation in your leg veins and varicose veins. Drinking plenty of water also prevents skin dryness and the development of thin capillary varicose veins.
Take care of your diet: You can especially prefer strawberries, cherries, melons and blueberries, which are rich in vitamin C and potassium in seasonal fruits and vegetables. Thus, by supporting your circulation, it will help prevent cramps, reduce possible reactions, aches and pains.”
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