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What Is Superficial Thrombophlebitis?

Lana Barhum
·6 min read
<p>eclipse_images / Getty Images</p>

eclipse_images / Getty Images

Superficial thrombophlebitis is inflammation of a vein just below the skin. It is the result of a small clot in the vein. It typically affects the leg and is generally not serious. Superficial thrombophlebitis is sometimes called superficial venous thrombosis (SVT).

The condition will resolve within a few weeks, with or without treatment. Treatment aims to ease discomfort and bring down inflammation. 

In a few instances, complications can occur because the blood clot is deeper in the vein. Superficial thrombophlebitis can sometimes lead to a more serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a bacterial skin infection.

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This article covers the symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis, its causes, treatment, and more. 

<p>eclipse_images / Getty Images</p>

eclipse_images / Getty Images

Superficial Thrombophlebitis Symptoms

The superficial veins are the veins you can see and feel just below the skin. Most incidences of superficial thrombophlebitis occur in the leg. However, any superficial vein can be affected throughout the body. 

Superficial thrombophlebitis is a type of thrombophlebitis. It tends to be a benign, self-limiting condition. It sometimes does not cause symptoms and can be challenging to diagnose. However, if superficial thrombophlebitis causes symptoms, those occur because of severe inflammation in the vein walls and nearby tissues.

If you develop superficial thrombophlebitis, you might experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the affected area

  • Red or discolored skin in the affected area

  • Swelling and tenderness of the affected area

  • Warm or hot skin

  • An enlarged or inflamed vein

  • Darkening of the skin over the affected vein

  • The vein feeling hard or like a cord or knot

You should call a healthcare provider if you experience any of the above symptoms or if symptoms worsen. 

While it is rare, it is possible to experience a complication from superficial thrombophlebitis. Complications include cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis.

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can become life-threatening if not treated. Symptoms of cellulitis include fever and chills, pain, tenderness, blisters, and skin dimpling in the affected area. You should seek medical attention right away because cellulitis can spread rapidly.

DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deeper vein. Symptoms of DVT include swelling of the affected leg area, severe leg pain and cramping, and warm and discolored skin.

DVT can be life-threatening if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms of PE include shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough.

Causes

The incidence of superficial thrombophlebitis is unclear, but researchers believe the condition is more common than DVT, which affects 1 in 1,000 people. Superficial thrombophlebitis is also less well-studied than DVT. It frequently affects the legs and shares the same risk factors as DVT.

A blood clot leads to superficial thrombophlebitis. Blood clots have different causes, such as trauma or inactivity. Certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (considered the "bad" cholesterol), diabetes, or atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm), can increase your risk for a blood clot.

Additional risk factors for blood clots and superficial thrombophlebitis include: