Hirudoid cream for varicose veins

I’ve always had varicose veins and they’re getting worse as I’m getting older. Of course you can’t get them treated on the NHS any more. A couple of years ago my partner had a blood clot on his leg and was given Hirudoid cream by the walk in centre to treat it ( he was eventually put on blood thinners). I assumed you had to be prescribed Hirudoid and I recently used it for an area of my leg that was bruised: I bruise very easily. I’ve only just realised that you can buy it over the counter as I’ve been using it very sparingly. I’m now using it on my veins and it’s really helping. Worth knowing given how difficult it is to see a doctor these days. I thought I was quite knowledgeable when it came to pills and potions so this is a revelation to me.