Vein Infections: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Veins can become inflamed and infected, which if left untreated can become a serious condition. If you suspect you have a vein infection, you will need antibiotics to treat the infection before it spreads. Veins carry blood around the body, so the infection can spread quickly and seriously.

Causes

• Infections usually start out as inflammation of the vein just beneath the skin. The inflammation usually goes away in a few weeks, but the vein can become infected. This can happen if you have a drip inserted for long periods, or have a compromised immune system.

Symptoms

• When a vein becomes infected, the area becomes increasingly painful and the pain spreads further, such as down a leg or arm. You may notice the limb becomes red and the redness spreads down the limb. You may also feel unwell and possibly have a temperature.

Treatment

• A vein infection is treated with antibiotics, which should stop it from spreading. If the infection has already spread or is severe, you may need to be admitted into a hospital to be given antibiotics intravenously.