ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN’S WEEKLY DOCTOR
Not usually serious, phlebitis often gets better on its own after two weeks.
The cause isn’t clear but may be linked to varicose veins, conditions that cause the blood to clot more easily, autoimmune conditions such as Behçet’s disease (a rare inflammatory blood vessel condition), or having injections or a cannula inserted into a vein. It’s more common as you get older, if you’re overweight, pregnant or have cancer, and after prolonged immobilisation.
Phlebitis usually affects the leg veins but can occur in the arms or neck. Symptoms typically develop over several days, slowly resolving, although vein
