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Is It Normal To Have Inflamed Visible Vein At The Site Of Intravenous Injection?
Question: Hello. Please see phpto attached. I had blood drawn and an iv placed in my left arm at emergency room. Now the vein seems inflamed wirh some discoloration blue and red. I discovered this when i got home. Should I be concerned ? Does it look infected? Can it be dvt blood clot? Or is it just a bruise? Please advise. I am a little worried. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
It is mild subcutaneous bleeding and inflammation of veins in arm
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. There is slight bleeding under the skin and inflammation of the superficial veins in your arm in the region of IV placement. It does not look infected in the picture given.
2. Such a condition is called mild subcutaneous hematoma and superficial thrombophlebitis and is not a serious concern. However it might cause severe pain and discomfort which will recover quickly. Applying heparin ointment will reduce the discoloration and inflammation. You might also apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation.
3. It is not a DVT or deep vein thrombosis and there is no need to worry.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
It is mild subcutaneous bleeding and inflammation of veins in arm
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. There is slight bleeding under the skin and inflammation of the superficial veins in your arm in the region of IV placement. It does not look infected in the picture given.
2. Such a condition is called mild subcutaneous hematoma and superficial thrombophlebitis and is not a serious concern. However it might cause severe pain and discomfort which will recover quickly. Applying heparin ointment will reduce the discoloration and inflammation. You might also apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation.
3. It is not a DVT or deep vein thrombosis and there is no need to worry.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I read that IV in arm can lead to serious blood clots and pulmonary embolism.
http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201503/serious-risks-common-iv-devices-mean-doctors-should-choose
Also, can infections be introduced like staph or flesh-eating disease? I will send you another photo from different angle. There is a blue lumpy discoloration with some red patches around it.
http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201503/serious-risks-common-iv-devices-mean-doctors-should-choose
Also, can infections be introduced like staph or flesh-eating disease? I will send you another photo from different angle. There is a blue lumpy discoloration with some red patches around it.
Brief Answer:
With proper care there is low risk for infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Above link refers to complications from inserting PICC line. The PICC complications are due to insertion or a peripherally inserted central catheter and is a type of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time. It is not related to drawing a sample of blood.
2. If you scratch the area with finger nails then there is a chance of getting infected. Please avoid touching the hurting area to prevent any infection. It will not manifest in to an infection if proper care is taken.
3. The blue discoloration with red patches will persist for some days and is seen during healing. It is temporary and will disappear once the area is healed.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
With proper care there is low risk for infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Above link refers to complications from inserting PICC line. The PICC complications are due to insertion or a peripherally inserted central catheter and is a type of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time. It is not related to drawing a sample of blood.
2. If you scratch the area with finger nails then there is a chance of getting infected. Please avoid touching the hurting area to prevent any infection. It will not manifest in to an infection if proper care is taken.
3. The blue discoloration with red patches will persist for some days and is seen during healing. It is temporary and will disappear once the area is healed.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
A clarification. The IV was in my arm for over four hours. It was left there after they drew blood because they said it was better not to poke me twice in case I needed to keep iv inter
admitted to hospital.
So is the link I sent you relevant to my sutaustion? Can I get dvt or serious infection from thus prolonged ov insertion of four hours?
admitted to hospital.
So is the link I sent you relevant to my sutaustion? Can I get dvt or serious infection from thus prolonged ov insertion of four hours?
Brief Answer:
No significant risk associated with 4 hours IV line placement
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. DVT of arm is rare occurrence and is seen due to the following conditions
(i) the use of the large veins at the antecubital fossa for peripheral IV access;
(ii) the use of harsh medications administered via peripheral IV; and
(iii) certain peripherally-inserted central catheter (PICC) flushing and care practices.
2. From the picture it is unlikely that you have developed DVT in the arm.
3. There is intense swelling and pain in the entire arm in case of DVT. Your picture shows only a small area showing discoloration and inflammation which is expected in thrombophlebitis.
4. Concerning the duration of IV line placement, 4 hours is a short time and not a risk factor for DVT or infection.
5. Most people who develop DVT have the IV line for many days
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
No significant risk associated with 4 hours IV line placement
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. DVT of arm is rare occurrence and is seen due to the following conditions
(i) the use of the large veins at the antecubital fossa for peripheral IV access;
(ii) the use of harsh medications administered via peripheral IV; and
(iii) certain peripherally-inserted central catheter (PICC) flushing and care practices.
2. From the picture it is unlikely that you have developed DVT in the arm.
3. There is intense swelling and pain in the entire arm in case of DVT. Your picture shows only a small area showing discoloration and inflammation which is expected in thrombophlebitis.
4. Concerning the duration of IV line placement, 4 hours is a short time and not a risk factor for DVT or infection.
5. Most people who develop DVT have the IV line for many days
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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