Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the vein and hardening and feeling cord-like.
Thrombophlebitis frequently occurs with an intravenous cannula. Either the cannula or the infusion, including drugs, may have caused the inflammation. A small lump may appear days or weeks after the cannula has been removed and it can take months to resolve completely.
Superficial thrombophlebitis is inflammation in a vein where a blood clot has formed close to the surface of the skin. You may be able to feel the clot as a firm lump under the skin. The skin over the clot can become red, tender, and warm to the touch.
It's not usually serious and often gets better on its own after 1 or 2 weeks. Phlebitis is also sometimes known as superficial thrombophlebitis or superficial vein thrombosis.
See your doctor right away if you have a red, swollen or tender vein — especially if you have one or more risk factors for thrombophlebitis. Call 911 or your local emergency number if: The vein swelling and pain are severe.
If left untreated, superficial thrombophlebitis may become deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is commonly known as secondary DVT. Symptoms of secondary DVT can include more intense pain, accompanied by swelling and redness of the affected area.
Treating & Preventing Superficial Thrombophlebitis
In most cases, the condition goes away on its own after a few weeks. If needed, we can encourage healing with: Oral or topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Exercise.
Dr. Becker confirmed that you should not have deep massage when you have a blood clot, but agrees with me that a history of past blood clots is no reason to avoid massage. He notes that during massage, strokes on extremities (arms and legs) should always be toward the heart to assist venous return.
While a DVT can travel through the bloodstream to the heart, lungs, or brain and cause a stroke or Pulmonary Embolism, superficial thrombophlebitis usually will not do this, although it can be painful.
Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the vein and hardening and feeling cord-like.
For superficial thrombophlebitis, your doctor might recommend applying heat to the painful area, elevating the affected leg, using an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and possibly wearing compression stockings. The condition usually improves on its own.
The cannula (the flexible tube) may puncture the vein and the medicine then goes into the surrounding tissue, or the same vein may be used multiple times, which weakens it.
It should heal within a couple of weeks. Your provider will wait to use the vein for any further needle insertions until it's healed.
Problems can include pain and discomfort, leakage from the cannula onto your skin or below the skin, blockages, or germs getting into your bloodstream causing infection. Keep your hands clean by washing with soap or using sanitiser.
On its own, thrombophlebitis is usually not dangerous. However, having it does mean you have a much higher risk of developing other conditions like DVT or pulmonary embolism, both of which are medical emergencies. The longer you wait to get treatment, the more dangerous this condition becomes.
Anticoagulants are usually not indicated in superficial thrombophlebitis unless the process extends into the deep venous system or persistent inflammation is present in an affected area. In the case of thrombosis of a hemorrhoid, evacuation of the thrombus, though very painful, usually provides rapid relief.
Some people with superficial thrombophlebitis develop DVT. If you have a condition that affects how your blood clots or a history of DVT, your provider may recommend that you take an anticoagulant, which is a blood thinner medication.
About heparinoid Brand name: Hirudoid
Heparinoid is used to treat: bruises. internal bruising (haematoma) inflamed veins near the surface of the skin caused by small blood clots – superficial thrombophlebitis.
Apply a warm compress to your arm or leg.
This will help decrease swelling and pain. Wet a washcloth in warm water. Do not use hot water. Apply the warm compress for 10 minutes.
Superficial thrombophlebitis may occur after injury to the vein or the recent use of an intravenous (IV) line or catheter. Some people with a high risk for this condition may develop it in lieu of any of these risk factors: Chemical irritation of the area. Disorders that involve increased blood clotting.
Apply heat or cold to the affected area. Do this for up to 10 minutes as often as directed. Heat: Use a warm compress, such as a heating pad. Cold: Use a cold compress, such as a cold pack or bag of ice wrapped in a thin towel.
Complications in superficial thrombophlebitis include the following: Extension into the deep venous system. Hyperpigmentation over the affected vein. Persistent, firm nodule in subcutaneous tissues at the site of the affected vein.