I've been diagnosed with superficial phlebitis. Should I be treated with antibiotics? Am I at risk of DVT?

I had endovenous radiofrequency ablation 12 days ago on right great saphenous vein. A week ago, I had same procedure on left small saphenous vein. Today, I have throbbing sensation, heaviness, and swelling. I had US today and physician said it’s superficial phlebitis and should treat with a daily aspirin for the next two weeks and heating pads. I am worried about whether this is to be expected and whether I should be treated with antibiotics? Can this develop to DVT?

Answers from doctors (2)

More About Doctor Physicians Vein Clinics

Published on Sep 19, 2019

Superficial phlebitis or superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) are fairly common and do NOT require antibiotics in the majority of cases. The redness, warmth, and tenderness seen in the skin of the treated areas is due to inflammation because of the clot and not because of an infection. Patients should very rarely be placed on antibiotics for an SVT.

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Answered by Physicians Vein Clinics (View Profile)

Superficial phlebitis or superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) are fairly common and do NOT require antibiotics in the majority of cases. The redness, warmth, and tenderness seen in the skin of the treated areas is due to inflammation because of the clot and not because of an infection. Patients should very rarely be placed on antibiotics for an SVT.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 22, 2019

An ablation procedure intentionally ablates or "clots" the saphenous vein, which initially can get hard and tender. This occurs in many patients.

The usual treatment for this consists of wet heat to the tender areas and anti-inflammatory medication. Sometimes if the tenderness persists for over 2 weeks, then the vein can be drained under local anesthesia with a needle.

Antibiotics are unnecessary and the chances of this progressing to a DVT is very low.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

An ablation procedure intentionally ablates or "clots" the saphenous vein, which initially can get hard and tender. This occurs in many patients.

The usual treatment for this consists of wet heat to the tender areas and anti-inflammatory medication. Sometimes if the tenderness persists for over 2 weeks, then the vein can be drained under local anesthesia with a needle.

Antibiotics are unnecessary and the chances of this progressing to a DVT is very low.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

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