[Current data on salicylates]

The best-known among the sclerosing products, sodium salicylate, should still be the most commonly used. It gives a large and reliable sclerosis with a flexible posology and a large margin of safety. The injection cramp may be relieved by adding to the concentrated product 60% of an equal amount of 2% Xylocaine. Practically speaking, the weakness of the sclerosing capacity necessitates, for large arches, the use of more powerful drugs. Salicylate, however, can completely sclerose 2 internal saphenous veins out of 10, and 3 external saphenous veins out of 10. After reduction of the long reflux, salicylate seems today to be the best product to use in all varicose vein cases.