How to Prevent Superficial Thrombophlebitis?

What is Superficial Thrombophlebitis?

Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein which occurs due to clotting of blood in the vein located just below the skin surface.

What are the Causes of Superficial Thrombophlebitis?

Superficial thrombophlebitis can occur as a result of an injury to the vein or because of use of an intravenous line or catheter. If a person is at a high risk of the condition, there may be no evident reason behind development of the condition.

The following things can put you at a risk of superficial thrombophlebitis:

• Chemical irritation
• Conditions that involve blood clotting
• Infection
• Pregnancy
• Sitting for long hours
• Use of varicose veins
• Use of birth control pills
• Besides these, superficial thrombophlebitis can also be associated with:
• Abdominal cancer
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Factor V Leiden
• Prothrombin gene mutation
• Thromboangiitis obliterans

What are the Symptoms of Superficial Thrombophlebitis?

The signs and symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis include:

• Skin redness or inflammation in the vein places just below the skin surface.
• Warmth of tissue
• Tenderness or pain in the vein just below the skin surface. The pain worsens when pressure is exerted on the vein.
• Pain in the limb.
• Hardening of the vein.

How to Prevent Superficial Thrombophlebitis?

If a person needs to have an IV on a regular basis, they can reduce the risk of superficial thrombophlebitis by changing the location of the IV and by immediately removing the IV line if the signs of inflammation begin to appear.

Avoid keeping your arms and legs in a still position for long time. Keep taking small strolls even while travelling or working. If you have undergone a surgery or have suffered a long term illness, try to resume to normal physical activity as soon as possible to prevent superficial thrombophlebitis.

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