Reviewed by Brian R. Robinson, MDSuperficial thrombophlebitis is the inflammatory response associated with a clot in the superficial (skin) veins. Usually, superficial thrombophlebitis is a benign and short-term condition whose symptoms subside in one to two weeks.
Superficial thrombophlebitis may occur after use of an intravenous (IV) line or after trauma to the vein. It occurs when a vein has been damaged or irritated, frequently due to an underlying condition such as varicose veins, increased blood clotting tendency, or pregnancy. Trauma to the area, such as damage to the vein that occurs during repeated blood tests or prolonged IV use can also be a culprit.Other risk factors for superficial thrombophlebitis include autoimmune disorders such as HIV or AIDS and lupus, fractures in the affected area, obesity, recent surgery, a history of vascular disease, and rare protein deficiencies.
Symptoms include inflammation and redness along a superficial vein(a vein that is just under the surface of the skin), warmness or burning of the skin surrounding the vein, tenderness, irritation, or pain in the area which is exacerbated by pressure or contact, and hardening of the vein.
Superficial thrombophlebitis can be diagnosed based on the appearance of the affected extremity.
Symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis include:
- Inflammation or redness along a superficial vein
- Warm tissue surrounding the superficial vein
- Tenderness or pain around the superficial vein exacerbated by pressure
- Hardening of superficial vein
- Leg pain
While an IV line is in use, monitoring the injection site, removing the needle if inflammation develops, and rotating the IV periodically may reduce the risk of superficial thrombophlebitis.Treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis focuses on reducing the inflammation. Most importantly, the IV is removed. A patient may take a pain-reducing medication, anticoagulants to prevent blood clot formation, or thrombolytics to dissolve existing clots. Antibiotics should be taken if infection is present.
In order to decrease discomfort, compression stockings may be worn. The extremity should be elevated to reduce swelling. Removal of the vein is rarely required.
