Superficial Thrombophlebitis

A condition that causes pain and swelling just below the skin

Superficial thrombophlebitis is a blood clot near the surface of the skin that causes inflammation of the vein. You might see a hard red cord just under the surface of the skin that is tender to the touch. You’ll also likely experience warmth, redness and swelling in the affected area. Our Vein Program specialists will help control your symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications.

This condition is in contrast to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which affects veins deep in the body. While a DVT can travel through the bloodstream to the heart, lungs or brain and cause a stroke or pulmonary embolism, superficial thrombophlebitis usually will not do this, although it can be painful.

What causes superficial thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis may form as a result of:

• An injury to a vein
• An inherited blood-clotting disorder
• Being immobile for long periods of time, such as sitting on a plane or recovering from surgery
• Having an intravenous (IV) line placed

Your risk of superficial thrombophlebitis increases if you:

• Are overweight or obese
• Are pregnant or have just given birth
• Are receiving cancer treatment
• Have varicose veins
• Smoke

Tests

Diagnosing superficial thrombophlebitis is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.

Treatments

Superficial thrombophlebitis often improves on its own. If it doesn’t, we’ll work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include compression garments, medication or more advanced procedures. If you are at risk for superficial thrombophlebitis, your doctor can recommend prevention strategies before surgery or taking a long road trip or flight.