What are the symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis?
Swelling, redness, and tenderness along a part of the vein are the usual symptoms. You may develop a fever (high temperature). If a blood clot develops inside the inflamed part of the vein, the vein may then feel hard or ‘knobbly’. The blood clot is usually of little concern as it is small. There are other veins which carry the blood, and bypass the blocked vein. When the inflammation settles, a persistent darker area of skin (hyperpigmentation) may remain over the affected vein. A persistent firm nodule (small lump) may also remain below the skin at the site of the affected vein. This may be tender to the touch for some time. Do I need any investigations? Your doctor is usually able to diagnose superficial thrombophlebitis by talking to you and examining the affected area. Investigations are not usually needed, especially if you have one of the risk factors for superficial thrombophlebitis (see above). However, if your doctor is concerned that you may have a deep vein thrombosis (see
