DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I would like to know what is the safest, longest-lasting procedure for varicose veins. – S.Y.

ANSWER: All current treatments for varicose veins are safe and long-lasting. Things that influence the choice of a procedure include the unique circumstances of an individual’s varicose veins, the extent of vein involvement, the skill of the doctor with a particular treatment and the availability of a given treatment in the patient’s location.

Sclerotherapy is one approved treatment. It consists of injecting into the varicose veins a solution that makes their inner surfaces adhere to each other. They become imperceptible scars.

Another treatment involves inserting into the varicose veins a catheter – a thin, flexible tube – equipped with a laser or radio-wave delivery system. The doctor activates the laser or radio waves that, in turn, collapse the veins and seal them permanently.

A newer technique involves guiding a thin laser fiber to the junction where the varicose leg vein meets its parent vein in the groin. Activating the laser there, the doctor closes off the varicose leg vein.

Vein stripping is the removal of varicose veins through a series of small incisions. It is still an accepted, safe and effective procedure.

The varicose vein pamphlet details information on this common vein problem. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue – No. 108, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.50 U.S./$6.50 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I’ve written you twice regarding Schamberg’s disease but have not seen an answer.

I have had this problem for several years. The skin patches itch. The remedy is a cortisone cream, which controls the problem, but I read where it thins the skin, so I use it sparingly. Can you please tell me something about it? – C.S.

ANSWER: I dodged your previous letters because there is not a great deal of information available on Schamberg’s disease.

It’s a skin condition where there is an eruption of tiny red dots about the size and color of cayenne pepper, usually on the lower legs. The dots are grouped in patches of varying sizes and shapes.

Blood vessel inflammation appears to be the cause of the outbreak, but what inflames the blood vessels isn’t known.

Cortisone creams are often prescribed. Yes, they can cause skin thinning, but you or your doctor can detect when that’s happening and cut back on their use. Some doctors favor using an oral medicine, Trental. Success with it is far from 100 percent, but it might be worth a try.

No medicine assures cure. However, in two-thirds of patients it clears up, but that can take a number of years. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I just found out that, at 49, I have only one kidney. My doctor didn’t seem to think much about it or make any comments about it. Could you make some statements about it and what I should be concerned about? – J.R.

ANSWER: When it comes to kidneys, Nature has been bountiful. We have two but can do quite well with only one. In fact, we do pretty well with only a portion of one.

You are not likely to run into any trouble because of having only one kidney.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have a friend who is treated for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He consumes at least 12 cans of beer a day. Should I worry about his health? – L.R.

ANSWER: More importantly, he should worry about his health. Your friend is an alcoholic, and if he continues with this amount of alcohol, he is likely to die young with a liver that has quit working.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.