What is the difference between phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and erysipelas?

Expert answer:

The main difference between phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and erysipelas is that three first they are characterized by being inflammatory processes with formation of blood clots in vein, while the erysipelas is a skin infection.

Definitions and main symptoms of each:

  • Phlebitis: Inflammatory process in the inner wall of a superficial vein of the body, mainly in the legs. It mainly affects people with varicose veins and smokers;

    • Symptoms: Redness, pain, swelling, burning sensation and heat in the course of the inflamed vein;
  • Thrombophlebitis: If phlebitis is not treated in time, there may be blood clots, which then develop into a thrombophlebitis, which is superficial thrombosis, once it reaches veins just below the skin;
    • Symptoms: The same as phlebitis, except that in this case the vein also becomes hardened;
  • Thrombosis: This is the formation or development of a thrombus caused by blood clotting, which may occur in a superficial vein, just below the skin, or in a deep vein within the muscles (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). Regardless of location, the thrombus will cause inflammation in the vein (phlebitis or thrombophlebitis), and may be restricted to the initial site of formation or extend along the vein, causing partial or total obstruction;
    • Symptoms:
      • Thrombosis superficial: In the superficial veins, there is an increase in temperature, pain, redness and edema (swelling) in the affected area, in addition to a hardening of the vein path below the skin;
      • Deep venous thrombosis (DVT): Edema and pain, usually restricted to a single leg. The swelling may be located only in the calf and foot or be more evident in the thigh, indicating that the thrombus is located in the deep veins of this region or more above the groin;
  • Erysipelas: It is an infectious process of the skin, most often caused by the streptococcus bacteria, which is naturally present on the surface of the skin. Usually the bacteria penetrates the body through a ringworm or small wounds (scratch, insect bites, wounds) on the skin;
    • Symptoms: Redness, swelling and local heat, in addition to chills, high fever, malaise, nausea and vomiting. There may also be blistering and cracking on the skin with loss of fluid circulating in the lymphatic vessels.

See more about it in: What is phlebitis and what are the symptoms ?; What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis? ; What is erysipelas and what are the symptoms?

In case of signs and symptoms of phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, erysipelas or thrombosis, consult an angiologist.

Category