The body has several major vein systems. One of these systems is the superficial vein system. Superficial veins lie close to the skin and can easily be seen and sometimes felt. These veins appear blue or purple in color, and frequently become prominent when a person lifts weights or lifts their hands above their heart. Superficial veins only carry a small percentage of blood through the body, as compared to the deep vein system, which carries the majority of blood through the body.
Superficial veins are susceptible to a health disorder called superficial phlebitis. “Superficial” refers to the vein system, and “phlebitis” means inflammation, or swelling, of a vein. This disorder may also be referred to as superficial thrombophlebitis, where “thrombo” means a blood clot in the vein. When a superficial vein becomes inflamed, a blood clot frequently forms, and the result is superficial phlebitis. Blood clots associated with superficial phlebitis do not normally pose any threat. Cases of superficial phlebitis most commonly occur in the legs, and usually settle naturally in approximately 2 to 6 weeks.
What Causes Superficial phlebitis?
For the majority of people who develop superficial phlebitis, they may be unable to discover any reason for the swollen vein. Sometimes however, trauma to a superficial vein can cause it to swell. Those who already have certain health conditions dealing with veins are more at risk for developing superficial phlebitis. These risks factors include:
– Damage or injury to a vein;
– Problems with blood clotting;
– More sluggish blood flow than normal, perhaps due to extended sitting or a surgery;
– Varicose veins.
Varicose veins are perhaps the largest contributing factor in the development of superficial phlebitis. These damaged veins have become gnarled, twisted, and enlarged, and are much more prone to injury than other veins.
What Are the Symptoms of Superficial Phlebitis?
Through a damaged vein or other factor, superficial phlebitis may occur. The following symptoms may indicate that you have superficial phlebitis:
– Swelling, redness, and/or tenderness along the affected vein (the most common symptoms);
– A high fever;
– A hard or knobby spot at the affected area, due to the presence of a blood clot;
– A dark area of skin over the affected area after swelling has dissipated. This may also be accompanied by a small, hard nod at the vein of the affected area.
Although blood clots normally develop with superficial phlebitis, they rarely pose a threat, as the superficial vein system is complex, and a blood clot in a vein can be bypassed.
What Treatments are Available for Superficial Phlebitis?
Although most cases of superficial phlebitis settle within several weeks, treatments to ease any discomfort associated with superficial phlebitis are available. Persons affected by superficial phlebitis may want to utilize the following tips to ease any discomfort and help settle their inflammation:
– Continue to pursue normal activities;
– When resting at home, try to keep the affected leg elevated above the hip to reduce inflammation or discomfort;
– A warm cloth may help reduce any associated pain;
– Over-the-counter ant-inflammatory medication may help ease discomfort;
– A support hose may be recommended by a doctor to ease discomfort.
What about Complications?
Although superficial phlebitis normally clears itself up and is not usually harmless, complications associated with the condition occasionally happen. If a person thinks they may have developed one of the following possible complications, they should see their doctor:
– Infection: The vein affected by superficial phlebitis may become infected. Any pain in the area may increase, any redness may enlarge, and the person affected may feel generally unwell. Antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor to control the infection.
– Moving blood clot: Occasionally, a blood clot that has formed in the swollen vein may move up further in the vein, leading to a deep vein thrombosis. A deep vein thrombosis is a potentially lethal blood clot. If the person affected by superficial phlebitis experiences swelling, redness, or hardness that spreads up the inner thigh to the groin, if the entire leg swells, suddenly worse pain, breathing difficulties or chest pains, they should seek medical attention immediately.
– Recurring superficial phlebitis: Continual bouts of superficial phlebitis may sometimes point to a more serious conditions, and a doctor and help determine if and what.
Trying to maintain healthy blood circulation and caring for the body’s vein systems can help reduce opportunities of superficial phlebitis occurring.