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Ointments for swelling
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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When excess intercellular fluid accumulates, edemas appear. They can be general and local. The causes of edemas are very different, and only a doctor can help to establish them and prescribe appropriate treatment. The most common are edemas of the extremities, in particular, the legs. They can also be observed in completely healthy people whose activities involve prolonged standing – edemas of fatigue.
Indications ointments for swelling
Indications for the use of ointments for edema are painful sensations and swelling of the ankles, “heavy legs”, night muscle spasms, acute and chronic disorders of blood circulation in the venous bed of the lower extremities; constant and prolonged vertical loads; pain and swelling due to traumatic injuries; bruises; post-injection infiltrates.
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To eliminate swelling, it is quite suitable to use anti-edema external preparations (ointments, gels, creams) with natural plant components and rest in a horizontal position with raised legs.
Non-medicinal anti-edema ointments
Ointments for leg swelling caused by prolonged standing, increased load on the legs (for example, during pregnancy), mild injuries, and early stages of varicose veins may contain only herbal ingredients. They increase the strength of blood vessels and help normalize their function, improve venous blood flow, which helps eliminate swelling and the feeling of “lead legs.” Many of them are not even considered medicines, but in mild cases they can help eliminate swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the legs, and in more serious cases they can be used as part of complex therapy. Herbal preparations are usually stored for three years, observing a temperature regime of up to 20-25 ° C.
There is no data on the consequences of overdose of herbal preparations; drug interactions have not been noted.
The Skipar foot balm-gel contains turpentine from the resin of coniferous plants, horse chestnut fruit extract, wormwood stems, and lingonberry leaf as active ingredients. It can be used in combination with treatment for vascular dysfunction in the legs to reduce swelling. Improves blood circulation, tones, increases vascular strength, soothes and cools. Apply daily before bedtime - apply a thin layer, rubbing gently until absorbed.
Antistax gel (Germany), the main active component of which is extracted red grape leaves, tones tired legs, eliminates the feeling of heaviness, swelling. It has a preventive effect against venous blood circulation disorders.
The ointment for leg swelling consists of distilled water, ethyl alcohol, red grape leaf extract, glycerin esters and coconut oil fatty acid, carbopol, caustic soda, dyes and lemon oil.
Contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, minors, and those allergic to the components of the gel.
Directions for use: Apply to the skin of your feet after sleep and before sleep, lightly massaging from the ankle upwards.
The cooling effect of the product is enhanced if kept in the refrigerator.
Venokorset gel from Evalar is also based on extracted red grape leaves. In addition, the gel contains sweet clover leaf extract, glycerin, distilled water, α-hydroxypropionic acid, mint camphor, carbomer, and stabilizers.
Strengthens the vascular membranes, increases their elasticity, improves blood circulation, eliminates swelling and the feeling of heavy, swollen legs.
It is not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women, or in case of sensitization to the ingredients of the product.
Treat the skin of the feet daily, after waking up and before going to bed, massaging lightly. Duration of use is about a month, it is possible to use without interruption for up to six months.
Natural medicinal ointments for swelling
Dr. Theiss Venen gel, the main active ingredients of which are a solution of extracted horse chestnut seeds (1:1) and a thick extract of marigold (flowers). Refers to medicinal herbal preparations that tone venous blood circulation. Increases the strength of capillary membranes, tones, eliminates swelling and inflammation. Reduces swelling and pain caused not only by venous circulation disorders, but also as a result of injury. Can be used as an ointment for bruises and swelling, as well as for dislocations and sprains.
Pregnant and lactating women should use as directed by a physician.
Venen gel is contraindicated in case of sensitization to its ingredients, open wounds, trophic ulcers, and minors.
The damaged areas are treated daily, upon waking up and before going to bed, with light massage.
Occasionally, a local reaction to the drug may occur in the form of a rash or hives. The gel contains ethanol, so prolonged and frequent use may cause skin dryness.
Venitan gel 1%, the main active ingredient of which is escin, produced from horse chestnut seeds. It is effective in the initial stages of inflammation, prevents vascular fragility, helps to increase the density and tone of capillary walls, reduced as a result of the inflammatory process. As a result, venous blood flow is activated, congestion disappears. Pain, heaviness, muscle spasms, itching, swelling, including traumatic ones, are reduced and disappear, bruises and post-injection infiltrates are absorbed.
Allowed for use by pregnant and lactating women. Contraindicated in case of allergy to its ingredients.
Another universal, inexpensive, natural ointment for bruises and swelling, relieving inflammation and preventing infection of wounds and scratches is Vishnevsky Ointment. This ointment, unlike the above, can be applied to trophic ulcers and other wound surfaces, because the skin does not always retain its integrity after an injury. Its disadvantage is a specific smell and color, but its effectiveness, availability, speed of action and safety surpass it.
Birch tar included in the ointment irritates tissues at the site of application and thereby activates blood circulation and relieves congestion, inflammation and swelling. Strengthening capillaries, preventing their fragility, promotes the absorption of bruises. In addition, it disinfects and heals damaged surfaces - these qualities are synergistically enhanced by xeroform. Castor oil penetrates deeply into tissues, conducting the first two components and providing them with a deeper effect.
A compress with Vishnevsky ointment is used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, resolving bruises and blood clots in thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, and injuries. The ointment is applied to a cotton cloth folded in several layers, placed on the affected area, then wrapped in compress paper or polyethylene film and fixed with a bandage or napkin. Leave for about six hours (can be overnight), repeat procedures are carried out for several days.
Alcohol compresses with Vishnevsky ointment help relieve post-traumatic swelling and pain in the joint, and also get rid of hematoma. The damaged area is smeared with ointment, then a layer of fabric soaked in strong alcohol, and a fixing bandage on top. Such a compress can be left on for up to two days.
Treat damaged skin surfaces two to three times a day, rubbing in lightly.
Rescuer Balm is a combined universal product, the components of which, acting in combination, enhance each other's properties. The balm contains milk fats, natural beeswax, concentrated sea buckthorn oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil, echinacea flower extract, turpentine, tocopherol.
The rescuer has the ability to heal and restore damaged tissue, destroy pathogenic microorganisms, soothe itching, pain, moisturize, and resolve hematomas and swelling. It does not cause irritation during treatment and can be used by pregnant and lactating women and children. Contraindicated in case of allergy to the components. It is distinguished by its versatility and speed of action.
It is used as an ointment for swelling after insect bites, bruises, blows, after fractures and operations.
The balm can be simply spread on the damaged surface or used to treat wound surfaces under a bandage or compress. During treatment, the balm melts and spreads over the surface. The next treatment is carried out during dressing. It is necessary to provide air access to the damaged skin from time to time; during dressing, the wounds must be left open for about a quarter of an hour.
Comfrey (comfrey) ointment (gel, cream) contains comfrey root tincture and tocopherol acetate. The active component of the ointment (allantoin) relieves inflammation, relieves pain, activates cellular renewal, accelerates the restoration of the epithelial surface and bone tissue. Hemostatic, accelerates the healing process of wounds and ulcers. Vitamin E binds free radicals, enhances trophism and the effect of allantoin. The ointment and gel can be used on surfaces with open wounds.
Comfrey Cream contains oleresin, which has a warming effect that reduces pain and relaxes muscles. It activates blood circulation, accelerates metabolic processes and the elimination of inflammation products.
There is no data on the use of the ointment by pregnant women. Contraindicated in case of allergy to the components.
The treatment is carried out three to four times a day, lightly massaging the area of application. Before going to bed, the ointment is applied in a larger volume and the treatment area is covered.
The ointment is used for various injuries and insect bites. It can be used to relieve swelling after a fracture, bruises, sprains and blows.
Medicinal ointments for edema
More serious cases require the use of direct-acting anticoagulants, the most well-known of which are preparations with sodium heparin - Heparin ointment, Venolaif, Hepatrombin, Thrombless, Lyoton, Lavenum gel.
In the initial stages of diseases accompanied by venous circulation disorders, Heparin ointment or its analogues are prescribed. These ointments are also effective in cases of injury as a pain reliever for bruises and swelling.
The active component of the ointment, sodium heparin, when released, inhibits the action of pro-inflammatory factors and thins the blood, preventing the formation of blood clots and resolving existing ones. Benzyl ether of nicotinic acid has a vasodilatory effect, promoting better absorption of heparin. Benzocaine eliminates pain.
Heparin applied externally passes through the epidermal layer quite quickly and accumulates in the upper layers of the skin. It exhibits activity by reacting with the protein component of the skin. The maximum concentration is observed after eight hours, and is eliminated by the kidneys.
Pregnant women are prescribed heparin-containing drugs by a doctor in extreme cases, but nursing women can use them.
Contraindicated in case of sensitization to the components of the ointment, open wounds, trophic ulcers and other violations of the integrity of the skin surface.
The damaged area is treated with light circular rubbing movements twice or three times during the day. The duration of therapy for swelling is from a week to half a month, for bruises, a week is usually enough. For swelling and bruises of a traumatic nature, the ointment is used after a day, so as not to provoke internal bleeding. With prolonged treatment, it is necessary to monitor blood clotting.
May cause allergies, hyperemia at the site of application, and disrupt blood clotting. Not used in combination with tetracycline antibiotics, antihistamines, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Store for no more than three years at temperatures up to 20°C.
Venolaif gel - in addition to sodium heparin, contains dexpanthenol and troxerutin. There is no painkiller component in the composition, this effect is achieved during the therapeutic effect.
Dexpanthenol (provitamin B5) normalizes metabolic tissue processes (acetylation and oxidation), restores damaged skin surface, enhances heparin absorption.
Troxerutin reduces vascular permeability and fragility, normalizes microcirculation and trophism, eliminates swelling and inflammation.
Phenylethyl alcohol, which the gel contains as a preservative, is active against pathogenic microorganisms and disinfects the wound surface of trophic ulcers (without abundant exudation) or minor traumatic skin injuries. Venolaif gel can be used for minor violations of the integrity of the skin, accelerating healing and preventing secondary infection.
This drug is approved for use by pregnant and lactating women.
Contraindicated in case of extensive infected wound surfaces or severe exudation, as well as sensitization to the ingredients of the gel.
The damaged skin surface and a small area around it are treated with the gel two or three times a day, rubbing it in lightly until completely absorbed. The duration of use is from two to three weeks.
May cause rashes at the site of application.
There are no registered cases of overdose; it can be used in combination with any medications.
Store for no more than two years at a temperature of 15°-25°C.
Gepatrombin gel (ointment) – differs from the previous preparations by the presence of allantoin and the absence of an analgesic. This is an ointment that relieves swelling and inflammation.
Allantoin suppresses the inflammatory process, activates and normalizes tissue metabolism and stimulates cell proliferation processes.
The ointment is indicated for trophic ulcers, and the gel is not applied to open wound surfaces. Both forms of the drug have a resolving effect.
Use by pregnant and lactating women is not recommended. Contraindicated in case of sensitization to the components, in case of infection of the skin surface.
Store for no more than three years at a temperature of 15°-25°C.
Thrombless gel, Lyoton gel and ointment are monodrugs with the active component sodium heparin, which restore venous patency, which leads to a decrease in inflammation, swelling and pain. They are used similarly to those described above.
Ointments (gels) with the active substance sodium heparin are universal, together with swelling they relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, resolve hematomas, restore blood circulation after injuries - fractures, bruises, blows. These ointments help well with swelling after surgery.
Express ointments for swelling
Edema and hematomas, especially on the face and under the eyes, cause great inconvenience. According to reviews, the use of the Biocon Bruise-OFF Express Bruise Removal Gel gives a good effect. It can be used on the skin of the face, under the eyes, it quickly resolves hematomas, improves blood circulation and lymph drainage, removes post-traumatic and post-operative edema. It consists of medicinal leech extract, pentoxyphine (angioprotector, mild vasodilator), ethoxydiglycol (a powerful conductor). It is not recommended for use by people with blood clotting disorders.
The ointment for eye swelling is available in two versions: with a tinting effect and without it. It is used five times a day, under the eyes, applying with light touching movements.
Polish anti-puffiness and anti-dark circles face gel Arnica eliminates puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Arnica flower extract reduces vascular permeability, has vasoconstrictive properties, improves blood circulation in capillaries, heals microtraumas and dissolves dark circles. It has a light texture and is perfectly absorbed. The gel contains panthenol, which improves its condition. The effect of the gel becomes noticeable very quickly.
Apply the product to the skin, massaging gently, and wait until it is completely absorbed.
A popular ointment for swelling after a blow is Troxevasin (active component - troxerutin). Increases the density of vascular walls, relieves inflammation and swelling, improves microcirculation and, therefore, resolves bruises. Helps with varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, dermatosis caused by these diseases, is prescribed to improve blood circulation in injured areas of the body. Troxevasin is used to relieve postoperative swelling, including on the face.
Can be used by pregnant and lactating women.
Contraindicated in case of sensitization to troxerutin.
Twice a day, treat the affected areas with light massage movements until completely absorbed. Do not apply to the wound surface. An effective ointment that relieves swelling and inflammation is an ointment that contains a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. For example, Indovazin is a complex gel with the active components indomethacin and troxerutin.
Indomethacin (NSAID) has analgesic, anti-edematous effect, relieves inflammation. Troxerutin - strengthens the vascular membrane, reduces their permeability, activates blood circulation in the capillaries. Contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, children 0-13 years old, people with blood clotting disorders.
The injured areas are treated three times a day. Ointments containing NSAIDs are quite effective in helping with bruises and swelling, quickly relieve inflammation and relieve pain, they can also be classified as express ointments. However, they have many contraindications - age restrictions, are not used for a long time (no more than a week), can cause allergies, are not applied to damaged skin surfaces. Before use, you need to carefully read the instructions.
These are ointments that relieve swelling and pain and can be used after injuries (fracture, impact, bruise, sprain) on undamaged surfaces. An ointment containing NSAIDs is effective against joint swelling of both traumatic and inflammatory origin (in arthritis and arthrosis).
This group includes ointments based on Diclofenac (Voltaren, Ortofen, Dicloberl and many others), Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Nimesulide, Piroxicam, Indomethacin ointment. All these ointments act in approximately the same way, relieve swelling and pain in sprains and ligament ruptures, muscle and joint pain.
Diclofenac ointment, gels and ointments based on it are probably the most popular. This is a very active non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with pronounced anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-edematous properties. These qualities are due to the ability to suppress the production of prostaglandins - pro-inflammatory mediators. The ointment reduces pain in inflamed or injured joints, eliminates bruises, relieves swelling. When applied to the skin, the active substance penetrates through it and accumulates in the tissues (subcutaneous tissue, muscle tissue, joint capsule and joint cavity).
Not prescribed to pregnant and lactating women, children 0-5 years old, persons with allergies to the active ingredient, aspirin and other NSAIDs.
The damaged areas are carefully treated with ointment three to four times a day. It is necessary to avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and wound surfaces.
Side effects include allergic rashes, itching, burning.
When applied locally, it practically does not interact with other drugs, however, in cases of long-term use, undesirable effects may be observed from combination with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, digoxin, and lithium derivatives.
Store for no more than two years, maintaining low humidity and air temperature.
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Warming ointments for swelling
Warming ointments are good for swelling after a bruise or blow; they also relieve pain and eliminate hematomas, and also have a distracting and healing effect. These ointments, irritating the surface of application, have a warming effect. It helps to accelerate metabolic and circulatory processes in damaged tissues, which causes lymph outflow and resorption of hematomas. Such ointments can be used to relieve swelling after a fracture, from joint swelling. They contain various warming agents, natural (bee, snake venom, pepper extracts) and synthetic. These ointments are not used on the skin of the face, strictly ensure that they do not get on the mucous membranes and in the eyes. After treatment, it is necessary to wash your hands thoroughly.
Apizartron ointment - the preparation combines bee venom with methyl salicylate and allyl isothiocyanate, providing its activity against factors causing inflammation, antibacterial, warming and analgesic properties. The ointment increases the temperature of the skin at the treatment site, which promotes vasodilation and improved blood circulation.
Contraindicated for pregnant women, people with acute joint inflammation, dermatitis, renal failure, sensitization to the components of the ointment.
It is used as follows: squeeze a strip of ointment onto the affected area and spread it in a thin layer, after a couple of minutes, when the skin at the site of application turns red and warms up, rub the ointment into the skin surface in circular motions. Dry heat should be provided in the area of application. The treatment should be carried out twice or three times a day until the symptoms subside.
Viprosal V ointment - contains viper or gyurza venom, relieves inflammation, pain, swelling and hematomas. Properties and contraindications are similar to the previous ointment. Treatment is carried out no more than twice a day for a month.
Espol ointment - based on the extract of capsicum fruits. Ointment for relieving swelling and pain after a fracture, bruise, sprain or rupture of ligaments, muscles, used for acute inflammatory processes in the joints. Treat the damaged areas twice or three times a day, providing warmth in these areas after application. Duration of treatment from one to ten days. Not recommended for pregnant women, may cause allergies.
Efkamon ointment - the active ingredients of the ointment provide a long-lasting warming effect, as a result of which tension and pain are reduced, nutrition and blood circulation in the tissues are improved. The ointment has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, absorbent, analgesic and anti-edematous effects. It consists of tincture of capsicum, camphor, menthol, oils - mustard, cloves, eucalyptus, methyl salicylate and other auxiliary components.
Finalgon ointment - its active components (vanillyl nonamide and butoxyethyl ester of nicotinic acid) provide, when applied, prolonged vasodilation, significantly facilitating blood microcirculation and eliminating its stagnation. Eliminates inflammation, pain, swelling and hematomas.
The ointment is applied using an applicator. First, squeeze half a centimeter of ointment onto it (enough to treat an area of ≈5 cm²) and rub it into the affected area, covering the area with a warm (wool) scarf. The effect is felt after about five minutes and reaches its maximum in half an hour. After several applications, addiction occurs and the dosage must be increased. The treatment is carried out two or three times a day, the duration of therapy is up to ten days.
Finalgon is contraindicated in case of sensitization to it.
Homeopathic ointment for swelling
Traumeel C ointment (gel) contains many ingredients of natural origin in homeopathic dilutions. It is used for inflammations, conditions after injuries, postoperative edema. It is characterized by fast action, has a hemostatic, angioprotective, analgesic and edema-reducing effect. It has high restorative and immunomodulatory properties.
For pregnant and lactating women, a doctor prescribes.
Contraindicated in case of allergy to plants of the Asteraceae family.
Treat swollen areas two or three times a day, rubbing in lightly. In the acute stage, it is allowed to use up to five times. Can be combined with other medications.
Ointment for swelling after an insect bite
When an insect bite causes a strong allergic reaction with swelling and rashes, this condition can be relieved with allergy ointments, for example, Fenistil gel - an antihistamine. It has an anti-edematous, antipruritic effect. It helps relieve the reaction to an insect bite well and quickly. Pregnant and lactating women are prescribed by a doctor, especially in the first trimester. Contraindicated in case of sensitization to the components, prostate adenoma, glaucoma, newborns. The bite site and swelling are treated two to four times a day.
You can use Levomekol, Panthenol or Bepanten ointment, especially if the insect has bitten a child and he has managed to scratch the bite site and introduce an infection.
Levomekol ointment is a complex product that combines two active components: the antibiotic chloramphenicol and the immunomodulator methyluracil, mixed on the basis of polyethylene oxides. Chloramphenicol is a bacteriostatic agent that interrupts the process of protein production in bacterial cells, an antagonist of most pathogenic microorganisms, and is also used in the case of purulent lesions. Methyluracil supplements the anti-inflammatory effect, promotes the metabolism of nucleic acids and the restoration of damaged tissues.
Apply to the bite site and surrounding swelling for two or three hours, then wash off.
The ointment can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for children – from birth.
Panthenol and Bepanten have a fairly safe composition and good healing properties. Panthenol, in addition, is available in the form of a spray and has a very delicate texture.
In severe cases of allergy to bites, you need to seek medical help. The doctor may prescribe hormonal ointments, self-medication with which is unsafe.
In case of minor swelling, you can try to get rid of it yourself using ointments of plant origin (which is safer) or medications. Ointments are applied externally, and with short-term correct use (according to the instructions attached to the ointment) should not have a serious systemic effect on the body. However, if the condition does not improve quickly, you should consult a doctor.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Ointments for swelling" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.