Drugs
In addition to the use of ointments, in most cases it is not necessary to take any further medication. However, if the pain is severe, painkillers can be taken. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac or ibuprofen are recommended here.
Often, however, a local application as an ointment is sufficient. Various phytopharmaceuticals (drugs of plant origin) are available on the market to support vein health. However, their effect, which has not (yet) been scientifically proven, is more likely to be seen when they are taken over a long period of time.
They can be supportive during the inflammation and continue to be taken preventively after healing. Among the phytopharmaceuticals, horse chestnut, butcher’s broom or red vine leaves are recommended for phlebitis. They are intended to seal the blood vessels and prevent fluid accumulation in the tissue.
In severe cases of phlebitis, a blood-thinning medication must be taken as there is a risk of thrombosis. In the event of a thrombosis, a blood clot forms in the veins. In this case it is common to give heparin as a prophylaxis against thrombosis.
The phlebitis is primarily treated with ointments. These are anti-inflammatory and decongestant ointments. A heparin ointment is often used in the treatment.
It contains the anticoagulant heparin. It has a cooling and decongestant effect. The ointment should be applied two to three times a day.
However, the treatment should not last longer than ten days. Ointments with the active ingredient proteoglycan chondroitin polysulfate are also used. This active agent penetrates the skin and has a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect.
The ointment is also applied two to three times a day and then massaged in. It is applied for one to two weeks. There are also ointments from natural medicine.
These may contain horse chestnut as an active ingredient, for example. The ointment is applied one to three times a day for four weeks. An antibiotic is only used for treatment if the phlebitis was caused by bacteria or is aggravated by bacteria.
Bacteria are not necessarily involved in phlebitis. One indication that bacteria play a role in the inflammation is the occurrence of fever. If there is bacterial involvement, a suitable antibiotic is given depending on the bacteria.
This should then be used according to the doctor’s instructions. As an antiseptic Rivanol has a germicidal effect. It is applied in envelopes on the skin where it reduces the number of bacteria.
Among many other diseases, it is also used as a therapy for phlebitis. Rivanol is used twice a day. However, it should not be used for longer than seven days.
Unfortunately, Rivanol makes the skin dry and yellow. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use Rivanol. The mineral zinc should have a strengthening effect on the vein walls and support healing processes.
Zinc is also said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Foods that contain a lot of zinc are oysters, liver, legumes, meat, cheese and wholemeal products. It should be noted that the body can absorb zinc from animal products better than from plant products.
Although zinc ointments have an anti-inflammatory effect and are often used, they do not play a role in the treatment of phlebitis. Cortisone can also be produced by the body itself. It has an anti-inflammatory effect.
However, its use against phlebitis has not yet been extensively investigated, so that there is (still) no proof of its effectiveness. Horse chestnut is an active substance from natural medicine. Extracts of Horse Chestnut are said to have a positive effect on the veins.
They increase the elasticity of the veins and improve the sealing of the vein walls. Horse chestnut has a decongestant effect by promoting the regression of water retention, which leads to a reduction in symptoms such as feelings of heaviness and tension. It is also said to have a mild antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect. It can be used not only for phlebitis, but also for many other venous diseases, such as varicose veins. .
