Phlebitis – how to treat and prevent it

Find out what exactly phlebitis is. Plus, how to treat it with simple self-care steps such as heat and pain relief. 

What are the symptoms?

What causes it and who is affected?

Self-care tips to try

When to see a doctor 

Getting it diagnosed

Treatment for phlebitis

How to prevent it from coming back

Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein – usually in the leg. Symptoms are often mild and are easily treated with self-care. However, if your phlebitis doesn’t clear up within a few weeks or keeps coming back then the cause may need exploring further, or treating. Find out more about this condition.

Phlebitis happens when a vein just under your skin becomes inflamed.  

This can be due to physical damage (from a needle), injury, or a health condition (such as varicose veins). 

Also known as superficial thrombophlebitis, or superficial vein thrombosis, phlebitis usually gets better on its own without complications – unlike [deep vein thrombosis (DVT)](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis) where a blood clot forms in a deeper vein and can be life-threatening.


## What are the symptoms?

Phlebitis looks a bit like a bruise or red mark under the skin on your legs – although it is possible to get one on your arms and neck, too. 

The most common symptoms are:

- a red, pink, or discolored patch on the skin
- the affected skin feeling itchy and warm 
- pain, swelling, or tenderness in the same place as any redness
- changes to the texture of the skin, for example thickness.

### When to get urgent help

Although phlebitis is rarely anything to worry about, symptoms can overlap with [deep vein thrombosis](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis) – a blood clot in a vein deeper within the body, for instance inside a muscle.

This can be serious if left undiagnosed and untreated. Always seek urgent medical attention if you have any of these symptoms:

- throbbing or cramp-like pain in your leg
- sudden or severe swelling in your leg
- warm or hot skin around the affected skin
- veins that are swollen and hurt when you touch them. 


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## What causes it and who is affected?

Phlebitis can be caused by a number of things including:

- trauma or injury
- surgery
- having a cannula inserted (for an IV)
- [varicose veins](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/varicose-veins)
- some autoimmune conditions or blood clotting disorders. 

There is some evidence to suggest phlebitis affects more women than men, but anyone can be affected. You are slightly more at risk of phlebitis if you:

- are over the age of 60
- are obese
- are pregnant
- have cancer
- smoke
- take birth control or hormone therapy (HRT)
- have had phlebitis before. 


## Self-care tips to try

If your symptoms are bothering you there are some simple things you can do, such as:

- keeping your leg (or the affected body part) raised whenever you sit or lie down 
- applying a warm flannel or some heat to the area
- taking painkillers – take acetaminophen (paracetamol) not ibuprofen if you are taking blood-thinning medication 
- wearing compression socks. 

Make sure you keep moving too – there is no reason to keep your leg or arm still. In fact this could increase your risk of [deep vein thrombosis (DVT)](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis), a much more serious and dangerous condition. 

## When to see a doctor 

You may not need to see a doctor for symptoms of phlebitis. 

However, if phlebitis gets worse, keeps coming back or you have any symptoms of a [deep vein thrombosis (DVT)](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis), then get medical advice immediately.

You should also see a doctor if you are not sure that phlebitis is causing your symptoms, for instance if you have never had it before. 


## Getting it diagnosed

Your doctor will be able to diagnose phlebitis by looking at your skin. 

If your doctor is concerned about the location of the damaged vein, or possible complications such as a more serious blood clot or deep vein thrombosis, they may suggest doing:

- __an ultrasound scan__ – this can help differentiate between phlebitis and something more serious 
- __a blood test__ – this looks for raised levels of something called D dimer (a protein fragment made when a blood clot dissolves in your body). 


## Treatment for phlebitis

If phlebitis is mild then most cases can be treated by [self-care](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/phlebitis#selfcare). 

If your symptoms aren't going away or they are severe then you may be helped by: 

- __anti-inflammatory treatment__ such as cream or gel 
- __compression stockings__ – they increase blood flow to the legs but check with your doctor if these are right for you 
- __blood-thinning medication__ – to help reduce the risk of blood clotting.

If varicose veins are causing repeat phlebitis, your doctor may recommend treatment or surgery. 


## How to prevent it from coming back

Once your phlebitis has got better you may have a higher chance of getting it again. To help minimize this risk, try:

- staying hydrated
- not sitting down for too long
- moving your legs regularly – if you are on a long car journey, stop every hour to move around. If you are on a train or plane, stretch your legs by walking up and down the aisle and regularly flexing and rotating your ankles.


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References

Juliet Blank

Fiona Bugler

Dr Ewan O'Farrell

Article information

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