There are lots of different hosiery available to suit your needs. There are stockings, hold-ups for women who prefer not to wear a suspender belt, socks which can be worn under trousers, and tights. Scholl produce a varied range:

Softrip Stockings and Hold ups with Ultima Technology – provide excellent support and are made using a revolutionary fibre which makes them softer and silkier than regular stockings, easier to put on and more comfortable to wear. Stockings are available in Classes I, II & III. Hold-ups are available in Class I.

Scholl Softgrip Ribbed Socks – are smart and practical under trousers, and look just like normal socks. Available in Classes I & II.

Softgrip Cotton Rich Stockings - are made with high cotton content to help protect sensitive skin. Available in Class II.

Scholl Softgrip Tights – provide light support and a comfortable alternative to stockings. Available in Classes I & II.

There is no medical difference between the two. People with longer feet may find open toes more comfortable.

Stockings, socks and tights that can be prescribed by your doctor or nurse fall into three classes: 1, 2 and 3. These numbers relate to increasing levels of compression, with class 1 being the lightest compression through to class 3 being the strongest.

The class your doctor or nurse chooses to prescribe for you depends upon how severe the problems in your leg veins are and how much help they need.

Softgrip stockings will now be make using revolutionary fibre, T902C. This allows the stockings to stretch easily without any loss of compression, making them easier to put on and even more comfortable to wear.

The new stockings feel softer and silkier than the old stockings, but they delivre compression just as effectively.

All of the Softgrip range are machine washable. To wash your stockings, socks or tights:

• Machine wash at a maximum temperature of 40°C
• Dry flat
• Dry away from direct heat
• Do not dry clean, bleach or iron

Your Scholl compression stockings, socks or tights should be washed after every wear, so it is best to have two or more pairs. Handled carefully, your hosiery should last for 30 washes.

In general, try to avoid snagging or laddering your Scholl compression hosiery:

• Make sure your fingernails and toenails are free from rough edges
• Remove any jewellery which could catch as you put your hosiery on
• Check your shoes for sharp edges which could damage your stockings, socks or tights and your feet

The stretchy material of your stockings, socks and tights makes it possible to take them too far up your legs. If they seem too long, take them back down to your ankle and refit, being careful not to pull them up too much.

NEVER fold your stockings or socks over at the top, as this will make a tight band around your leg, reducing the flow of blood and making your legs swell.

If they seem too short, take your stockings, socks or tights back down to your ankle and refit, pulling them up firmly but without tugging. There is plenty of stretch in the material, which should help them to fit.

If you are finding it difficult to grip the hosiery firmly enough, try wearing lightweight household rubber gloves which can stop your fingers from slipping.

Your doctor or nurse will provide you with a regular repeat prescription for your Scholl compression hosiery and you will be able to replace them should they become damaged.

You may, however, like to have a couple of extra pairs. For example, ladies might wish to have a black pair for eveningwear or might prefer socks instead of below knee stockings to wear under trousers.

Extra pairs of all Scholl compression stockings, socks and tights can be bought from your local pharmacy. Your pharmacist will need to know that you have been properly measured to ensure you are sold the correct size.

At Scholl we have been caring for people's legs and feet for more than 100 years. We use our experience to select the finest, most comfortable yarns and use the latest production methods. The result is compression stockings, socks and tights that effectively treat venous problems are stylish and easy to wear, every day.

At Scholl we are happy to help and advise all our customers. For more information call our Consumer Relations Department on 0800 074 2040.