Superficial Thrombophlebitis
Superficial thrombophlebitis is a condition where the veins are inflamed due to blood clots below the skin’s surface. Often, it occurs in your legs. However, it may also happen in the neck and arms. While anyone can be affected by the condition, women are usually at a higher risk than men. Some of its symptoms are inflammation and redness of your skin along the affected veins, skin and tissue warmth, pain and tenderness that may worsen with pressure, limb discomfort, vein hardening, and skin darkening.
Various factors may elevate risks for superficial thrombophlebitis to occur. Some of its risk factors are recent injections and catheter insertions, prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, infection, blood clotting disorders, smoking, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement drugs, chemical irritation, and stroke. The condition may also be associated with other diseases, including specific cancers and thromboangiitis obliterans.
Most of the time, treating superficial thrombophlebitis is done at home. Healthcare providers may recommend the application of warm compresses to affected areas and using support stocking to alleviate the swelling. Over-the-counter medication NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin may also be prescribed.
