4. Infection
Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections are also responsible for some cases of superficial phlebitis. Some pathogens are more aggressive than others and may start to cause the onset of phlebitis. Patients who experience an infection around an IV site or a cut must look out for the common signs of and symptoms of infection. These signs include fever, redness, pain, swelling, and a breakdown in the integrity of the skin.
Medical staff must attend to this infection immediately to prevent it from spreading. If left untreated and unmanaged, the infection may spread and cause clotting in the deep veins, resulting in a life-threatening situation for the patient.
However, in most cases, patients will receive the attention they need from medical staff, and the infection will subside in a few days. Superficial phlebitis will also start to fade, and the patient will make a full recovery from the infection without any lasting damage, two blood vessels or veins.