Superficial thrombophlebitis
Who is most at risk?
You're more at risk of superficial thrombophlebitis if you:
- have varicose veins
- smoke
- are very overweight
- take the contraceptive Pill or Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (although theseonly slightly increase your risk of blood clots)
- are pregnant
- have had a previous blood clot or other problem with the vein
- have recently had injections or a drip put intothe vein
- have a condition that causes the blood to clot more easily , such as thrombophilia , polyarteritis (inflammation of the smaller arteries) or polycythaemia (a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood)
- have cancer
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
NHS Choices information on phlebitis and superficial thrombophlebitis, with links to other useful resources.
What are the symptoms?
Superficial thrombophlebitis results in painful, hard lumps underneath the skin and redness of the overlying skin. This is usually on the lower leg, although it can occasionally affect surface veins
Is it serious?
Superficial thrombophlebitis is typically more annoying than serious. Usually, the blood clot clears and the inflammation dies down within a few weeks. Most people with superficial thrombophlebitis
Who is most at risk?
You're more at risk of superficial thrombophlebitis if you: have varicose veins smoke are very overweight take the contraceptive Pill or Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (although
How isit treated?
Phlebitis is inflammation, not infection, so antibiotics aren't helpful. You can follow this advice to help reduce any pain and swelling: raise the leg to help reduce swelling wear compression
What's the outlook?
When the inflammation settles, you may be left with darkened skin and the lump may take three or four months to go. But most people make a full recovery. If the thrombophlebitisoccurred in a varicose
Risk of DVT
There's a small chance of the blood clot travelling along the vein to where it meets a deeper vein, and a DVT developing. This is more likely if the surface clot extends into the upper thigh or groin
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