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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling And Itching In The Arm After Drawing Blood?

I went to emergency room a week ago to the day. I had blood drawn. On Thursday of last week I noticed my arm was red (near the area where blood was drawn). On Saturday, it was itchy and tender to the touch. It was and still is swollen. It feels like a lump or mass, near the vein where blood was drawn. It also is still tender and sore. Should I be concerned?
Fri, 7 Apr 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The mass/lump is due to the formation of fibroid/scar tissue at the site where the blood was taken.

This can occur in some cases in response to trauma to a particular area. Swelling can also occur as part of this inflammatory response.

The use of a anti inflammatory agent would help with these symptoms even if the pain is presently minimal. eg naproxen, cataflam, ibuprofen, voltaren
A warm compress to the area would also be helpful as well. This can be done for 10 to 15 mins, 2 to 3 times daily.

I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician,  Dr. Rama Kumari's  Response
it could be due to needle contamination or unsterile procedure chance of infection so better to be checked with a physician as it is in venous sight might spread easily if not treated promptly with appropriate drugs.
wish you speedy recovery.
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What Causes Swelling And Itching In The Arm After Drawing Blood?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The mass/lump is due to the formation of fibroid/scar tissue at the site where the blood was taken. This can occur in some cases in response to trauma to a particular area. Swelling can also occur as part of this inflammatory response. The use of a anti inflammatory agent would help with these symptoms even if the pain is presently minimal. eg naproxen, cataflam, ibuprofen, voltaren A warm compress to the area would also be helpful as well. This can be done for 10 to 15 mins, 2 to 3 times daily. I hope this helps