Superficial venous thrombosis
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Superficial venous thrombosis
A superficial venous thrombosis is a blood clot in a vein that is close to the surface of the skin. A superficial thrombosis usually forms a firm lump, sometimes like a rope, under the skin. Often the skin is red and tender. The skin may look infected, but an actual infection is not common.
If the area around the clot has inflammation, it is called superficial thrombophlebitis, or simply phlebitis.
Blood clots in superficial veins usually are not serious. Home treatment is generally all that is needed unless the clots are very painful or uncomfortable.
Credits
| Author | Robin Parks, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jeffrey J. Gilbertson, MD - Cardiovascular Surgery |
| Last Updated | January 15, 2008 |
| Last updated: | January 15, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS |
| Reviewed By: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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