Superficial Thrombophlebitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Superficial thrombophlebitis (STP)
is inflammation of a vein just under your skin (superficial vein). The inflammation causes a blood clot to form in your vein. STP most often happens in your leg but may also happen in your arm or neck.
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Common signs and symptoms:
- A red line on the skin over the vein
- Pain near the vein, and sometimes swelling
- A fever if infection has spread from your vein to others places in your body
- Warm, red skin that is tender to the touch
- A hard area that feels like a knot
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
Call your doctor or hematologist if:
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for STP
may not be needed. STP often goes away on its own. Treatment for STP that continues may include any of the following:
- Medicines may be given to treat an infection and decrease swelling and pain. Medicine may also be given to prevent more blood clots.
- Removal of an IV catheter may be needed if your IV is infected.
- Surgery may be needed to remove the blood clot or part of your vein. Surgery may also be needed to remove a collection of infected fluid from your vein.
Manage STP:
- Apply a warm compress to your arm or leg. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Wet a washcloth in warm water. Do not use hot water. Apply the warm compress for 10 minutes. Repeat this 4 times each day.
- Wear pressure stockings as directed. Pressure stockings improve blood flow and help prevent clots in your legs. Wear the stockings during the day. Do not wear them when you sleep.
- Elevate your leg or arm above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your leg or arm on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Prevent STP:
- Maintain a healthy weight. This will help decrease your risk for another blood clot. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Ask him or her to help you create a weight loss plan if needed.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can damage blood vessels and increase your risk for blood clots. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Change your body position or move around often. Move and stretch in your seat several times each hour if you travel by car or work at a desk. In an airplane, get up and walk every hour. Move your legs by tightening and releasing your leg muscles while sitting. You can move your legs while sitting by raising and lowering your heels. Keep your toes on the floor while you do this. You can also raise and lower your toes while keeping your heels on the floor.
- Exercise regularly to help increase your blood flow. Walking is a good low-impact exercise. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.
- Do not inject non-prescription drugs. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need help to quit.
Follow up with your doctor or hematologist as directed:
You may need to come in regularly for scans to check for blood clots. Your blood may checked to see how long it takes to clot. Your doctor or specialist will tell you if you need to have this test and how often to have it. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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