Varicose veins (primary or secondary varicosis) form on account of a mechanical impediment in the venous flowback of blood and the peripheral venous pressure increased thereby, surfaces varices and deep varices with congestion phenomena forming.

The cause may be a slowed circulation (e.g., in case of longer confinement to bed), constiutionally caused as a consequence of a congenital connective tissue weakness or as a consequence of other vein diseases.

For local treatment, in most instances creams, ointments, gels and the like are used which contain heparin. Haparin has an antighrombotic effect due to its function as a catlyst, by inhibiting the serine proteases in the coagulation cascade. Thereby, a series of blood coagulation factors are inactivated. But in case ofa tendency to bleeding and in case of thrombocytopenias, heparin must not be used. Furthremore, it should not get into contact with open wounds, the eys or the mucous membranes.