The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is superficial phlebitis? " � Superficial phlebitis is the medical term for when veins that are close to the surface of the skin (called the superficial veins) form clots or get inflamed. Superficial phlebitis is related to but different from another vein problem called "deep vein thrombosis " � or "DVT. " � � �
DVT is when a vein located deep between the muscles forms a clot or gets inflamed. DVT can be very dangerous because clots within a deep vein can break off and travel to the lungs, causing something called a "pulmonary embolism. " � � �
Again, superficial phlebitis affects veins near the surface of the skin. DVT affects veins deep in the muscle. � �
Is superficial phlebitis dangerous? " � Superficial phlebitis is not usually dangerous, but it can be caused by or lead to DVT, which is dangerous. Clots in a deep vein can cause a superficial phlebitis and clots in a superficial vein can extend into a deep vein and cause blood clot in the lungs. For these reasons, superficial phlebitis is taken very seriously, especially when it affects the thigh or upper arm, where superficial and deep veins meet. � �
How does superficial phlebitis relate to other vein problems? " � People who get superficial phlebitis often also have a type of vein disease called "venous insufficiency. " � Venous insufficiency can occur with or without varicose veins (twisted, swollen veins), and most often affects the legs. � �
Heres an explanation of venous insufficiency: When the veins are healthy and working normally, they carry blood in only 1 direction, from the body back to the heart. Veins have valves inside them to keep blood moving toward the heart. The valves open to let blood flow to the heart, and close to keep blood from flowing backwards. When the valves are damaged or do not work well, blood flows backward and collects in the veins. This is called venous insufficiency. � �
People without venous insufficiency can also get superficial phlebitis, usually after having a tube (called a catheter) or other device placed into a vein. But even people who had nothing put into a vein can get superficial phlebitis. For instance, it can happen to people with blood clotting problems or cancer. � �
What are the symptoms of superficial phlebitis? " � The symptoms include: � �
- Pain, tenderness, or redness along the length of a vein
- Hardening of the vein
- Swelling of the affected arm or leg
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � Yes, if you have symptoms of superficial phlebitis see your doctor or nurse. See him or her right away if the affected arm or leg is swollen, or if the affected vein is in the thigh or upper arm. � �
Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, dial 9-1-1) if you get symptoms of a blood clot in the lungs, such as: � �
- Panting or trouble breathing
- Sharp, knife-like chest pain when you breathe in
- Coughing or coughing up blood
- A rapid heartbeat
Will I need tests? " � Maybe. Your doctor or nurse might be able to tell what is happening by doing an exam and learning about your symptoms. He or she might also do a test called an ultrasound. An ultrasound can check how well the valves in the veins work. It can also show if any of the veins are blocked, especially the deep veins. � �
How is superficial phlebitis treated? " � The treatment for superficial phlebitis focuses on easing the symptoms. To do this, doctors recommend that you: � �
- Use heating or cooling pads on the affected area
- Raise the arm or leg, propping it up on pillows or a chair when resting
- Take a medicine called an NSAID " � Examples include ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (sample brand names: Aleve, Naprosyn).
If your superficial phlebitis is in your leg, your doctor or nurse might also suggest you wear compression stockings. These are special socks that fit tightly over the ankle and leg. If your doctor or nurse recommends them, he or she will tell you which type to wear and how to put them on. � �
Many people do not need treatment beyond that described above. In some cases, though, doctors do prescribe medicines to prevent or dissolve clots. � �
Can superficial phlebitis be prevented? " � You can reduce your chances of getting superficial phlebitis in the leg veins by staying active and not sitting too long without moving. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 87580 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
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