Thrombophlebitis is a swollen or inflamed vein due to a blood clot. Superficial refers to veins just below the skin's surface.

Thrombophlebitis - superficial

This condition may occur after injury to the vein. It may also occur after having medicines given into your veins. If you have a high risk for blood clots, you may develop them for no apparent reason.

Risks for thrombophlebitis include:

• Cancer
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Disorders that involve increased blood clotting (may be inherited)
• Infection
• Liver disease
• Pregnancy
• Sitting or staying still for a prolonged period
• Use of birth control pills
• Swollen, twisted, and enlarged veins (varicose veins)

Symptoms may include any of the following:

• Skin redness, inflammation, tenderness, or pain along a vein just below the skin
• Warmth of the area
• Limb pain
• Hardening of the vein

To reduce discomfort and swelling, your provider may recommend that you:

• Wear support stockings, if your leg is affected.
• Keep the affected leg or arm raised above heart level.
• Apply a warm compress to the area.

If you have a catheter or intravenous (IV) line, it will likely be removed if it is the cause of the thrombophlebitis.

Medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling.

If clots in the deeper veins are also present, your provider may prescribe medicines to thin your blood. These medicines are called anticoagulants. Antibiotics are prescribed if you have an infection.

Surgical removal (phlebectomy), stripping, or sclerotherapy of the affected vein may be needed. These treat large varicose veins or are done to prevent thrombophlebitis in high-risk people.

This is usually a short-term condition that does not cause complications. Symptoms often go away in 1 to 2 weeks. Hardness of the vein may remain for much longer.

Complications are rare. Possible problems may include the following:

• Infections (cellulitis)
• Deep vein thrombosis

Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of this condition.

Also contact your provider if you already have the condition and your symptoms worsen or do not get better with treatment.

In the hospital, swollen or inflamed veins can be prevented by:

• The nurse regularly changing the location of your IV line and removing it if swelling, redness, or pain develop
• Walking and staying active as soon as possible after surgery or during a long-term illness

When possible, avoid keeping your legs and arms still for long periods. Move your legs often or take a stroll during long plane trips or car trips. Try to avoid sitting or lying down for long periods without getting up and moving about.

Published Date: May 10, 2024
Published By: Neil Grossman, MD, Saint Vincent Radiological Associates, Framingham, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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