Superficial Vein Thrombosis
What is Superficial Vein Thrombosis?
Superficial vein thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in a vein located near the surface of the skin. Most superficial veins that develop thrombosis also have phlebitis, which is a term used for veins that are red, inflamed and painful. Often times it is is called superficial thrombophlebitis. 1, 2
These thromboses are not normally as serious as deep vein thrombosis; however they can become more serious if they are able to enter deep veins through the perforator veins – veins that connect the superficial veins to the deep veins
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Superficial Vein Thrombosis include:
- Pain or tenderness and hardness in a vein
- Feeling of increased warmth in the area of the clot
- Red or discolored skin in the area of the clot
![superficial_vein_thrombosis_risk_factors](https://www.worldthrombosisday.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/superficial_vein_thrombosis_risk_factors-300x173.png)
![doctor-talking-to-patient](https://www.worldthrombosisday.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/doctor-talking-to-patient.jpg)
Treatment for Superficial Vein Thrombosis
The main goal when you begin treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis is to control pain and inflammation.
For pain:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
- Warm compresses
For inflammation and swelling:
- Leg elevation when you are resting
- Compression stockings
- Staying active and not sitting for too long
If the clot is close to a deep vein, a course of blood thinners is often given, to prevent the superficial vein thrombosis from developing into a DVT
Page references:
- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/463256-overview1
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17523-superficial-thrombophlebitis2
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombophlebitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354607