Customer question:
How is phlebitis treated? Can I also use Detralex? Anonymous Customer
Pharmacist's answer
Phlebitis or thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of the veins that causes a blood clot to form in the vein. This usually happens in the leg. When phlebitis affects a vein near the surface of your skin, it's called superficial phlebitis. When this affects deeper veins, it is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Superficial phlebitis usually develops after a mild injury to one of the veins. It usually resolves quickly and does not cause serious health problems. In deep vein thrombosis, however, a blood clot in a deep vein can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. This can cause a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening blockage that prevents blood from reaching the lungs.
The most common signs of phlebitis include:
- pain, swelling, and sensitivity of the skin
- red, itchy skin that is warm to the touch
- low fever if phlebitis is associated with infection
Treatment of phlebitis
If your symptoms are relatively mild, we can suggest the following measures, such as:
- application of heat to the affected area
- elevate the affected leg as much as possible
- wear compression stockings
For more severe conditions, we can recommend the following:
- medicines such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, blood thinners, or medicines such as Detralex< /li>
- prescription compression stockings
- ligation and removal of a vein in severe phlebitis (surgical procedure)
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