The treatment of varicose veins, indeed of all phlebopathies, is still the butt of quite singular superstitions, firmly entrenched in the mind of the practitioner. Few treatments in the twentieth century are so denigrated as those of varices and leg ulcers. This may well be due to negligence, but there are many who denounce either the surgical or the sclerotherapeutic treatment of varices and leg-ulcers in aged or obese patients, in women going through genital or menopausal phases, and in pregnant women. Of course there are certain contraindications, but one thing is certain: there should be better information available for the general practitioner, so that he can gain a better idea of the therapeutic approach to these illnesses.