When phlebitis is superficial, a blood clot arises in the superficial veins, which are the veins that are just under the surface of the skin. This type of disorder is common and is usually a benign and self-limiting disease. DVT, on the other hand, is a blood clot that develops in a vein deep in the body.

When used for the treatment of phlebitis, ceftriaxone should be administered intravenously rather than intramuscularly.

Phlebitis manifests in four grades: Grade 1 - erythema around the puncture site, with or without local pain; Grade 2 - pain at the puncture site with erythema and/or edema and hardening; Grade 3: pain at the puncture site with erythema, hardening and a palpable venous cord; Grade 4: pain at the puncture site

Apply heat or cold to the affected area. Do this for up to 10 minutes as often as directed. Heat: Use a warm compress, such as a heating pad. Cold: Use a cold compress, such as a cold pack or bag of ice wrapped in a thin towel.

Cellulitis may show some of these characteristics, plus possibly enlarged groin lymph nodes and a fever. Phlebitis is an inflammation, not an infection, so treating it with antibiotics is not effective. On rare occasions, a severe superficial phlebitis may denote a problem with intravascular clotting.

This is a serious condition that occurs when a piece of blood clot breaks off into the bloodstream. This then blocks one of the blood vessels in the lungs, preventing blood from reaching them. If left untreated, about 1 in 10 people with a DVT will develop a pulmonary embolism.

Most cases of thrombophlebitis that happen in the shallow veins begin to go away by themselves in a week or two. But on rare occasions, these blocked veins can lead to infection. They can even cause tissue damage from the loss of healthy circulation.

Media Contact
John Mathews
Journal Manager
Journal of Phlebology and Lymphology
Email: phlebology@eclinicalsci.com