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What Causes Hardness And Inflammation Around An IV Insertion Site?

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Posted on Thu, 11 Sep 2014
Question: I recently had an IV inserted into my arm by a paramedic. That was 4 days ago. The vein where the IV was inserted is very hard and red around the whole area. I have a Blood Clotting Factor #2 and am afraid it could be a clot. Is this common. It hurts to touch it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Must be thromboplebitis- common problem

Detailed Answer:

Hello

The fact is that the iv cannula are usually irritative to the veins.
They can cause these problems.
Besides the medicines can also cause the irritation to the veins.
and that causes problems too.

They both cause thrombophlebitis.
The veins are damaged already probably.

Usually it takes 7-14 days to get back to normal
And then the veins are ok

best of luck
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 minutes later)
Do you have a concern it could be a clot? I told you I had a clotting disorder. Is taking baby aspirin enough?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Try Heparin based creams

Detailed Answer:
Taking baby aspirin will not hurt.
I have said its thrombophlebitis
This means that the vein is irritated, possibly with a clot.
However the clot is usually very small and there is minimum risk of clot getting bigger/spreading.
You can try heparin based creams also. These are applied locally
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

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What Causes Hardness And Inflammation Around An IV Insertion Site?

Brief Answer: Must be thromboplebitis- common problem Detailed Answer: Hello The fact is that the iv cannula are usually irritative to the veins. They can cause these problems. Besides the medicines can also cause the irritation to the veins. and that causes problems too. They both cause thrombophlebitis. The veins are damaged already probably. Usually it takes 7-14 days to get back to normal And then the veins are ok best of luck Dr Mittal