Hello,
The symptoms of dry
rash and bruising on the IV site are signs of inflammation. When an IV canula is pierced into the skin it pierces the blood vessel (vein) in most patients there would not be a complication. But some do suffer a few complications like yours, forming a blood a clot leading to bruising and release of toxins resulting in itchy
dry skin due to local
injury or trauma to the vein.
There are many causes for this, a few to list are :
1. iv drug use
2. prolonged immobility, as in hospitalized patients
3. iv induced phlebitis( insertion of iv canulas in hospitals)
4. blood disorders.
Try applying warm compress over the region to reduce the swelling and
redness, and if you suffer from pain then an anti inflammatory gel could help as well.The
bruise will last for a week or more, it will change colour from blue to yellow to skin color in due course.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vignan Rachabattuni, General & Family Physician