What Causes Redness And Irritation At The Catheter Entry Site In Groin Area?

Posted on Tue, 28 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 Answered on

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have redness and irritation at catheter entry site in groin (venous puncture) 60 days ago. I also have muscle tightness that varies from inside leg, at groin, in hamstring and hip. What could be the cause? No swelling or other major symptoms, just very minor localized redness and persistant muscle tightness. Also, it seems like theres a 1 inch shadow around the site that can only be seen in very low light

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
local inflammation at venous puncture site

Detailed Answer:
Hi!

Welcome to health care magic!

I am Dr. Saddiq Ul Abidin. I have read your problem in detail and will try to help you in best way possible.

Based on the history, description and image you shared, it seems to be thrombophlebitis at the site if puncture. There is a possibility that if venous wall is pricked and an inflammation accumulated between that, but that would have caused circulation of blood to be little compromised. This site can be needed to undergo an ultrasound with doppler studies to look for flow in blood vessels and if it is causing the associated symtoms in muscles supplied by it.

It can also be simple inflammation lying under the skin and giving pressure symtoms.

You may needed to take antibiotics like augmentin after discussing with your GP along with anti inflammatory medicines. Local application of ibuprofen creams may also be helpful.

Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. kindly rate me before closing, and leave your feedback if possible.

Regards,
Dr. Saddiq Ul abidin.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E