Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Recognize symptoms
• Method 2 of 3: Seek treatment
• Method 3 of 3: Avoid collapsed veins

Collapsed veins are caused by multiple or incorrect intravenous injections. They are almost always caused by the use of bad material and / or habitual drug use. If a needle or an injected substance irritates the inner lining of a vein, the inner lining can swell, causing the rest of the vein to collapse due to lack of blood pressure. Veins can also collapse if an injection is not given properly and causes suction into the vein. If you or someone else has a collapsed vein, contact your doctor immediately.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Recognize symptoms

1. Look for changes around the injection site. Common symptoms of a collapsed vein include discoloration, tenderness, and swelling. Check the area where the needle has been inserted for atypical bruising, discoloration, or sensitivity to the touch.
   • A large collapsed vein can also cause limbs such as hands or feet to feel cold, but this is usually more of a symptom of a collapsed artery, which is a different and more serious problem.
2. Inspect the injection site. If a vein has collapsed, you will experience a sharp pain at the injection site. The injection site may also bruise or turn black and blue. The injection site may also be itchy.
3. Avoid scratching the area. If the injection site starts to itch, that's actually a good sign. As it confirms that the vein had collapsed, the itch indicates that the blood is starting to open the vein again and start circulating again. However, scratching can interrupt this process and risks permanent damage to the vein.
4. Understand the longer-term effects. Nearly every intravenous drug user will experience a collapsed vein at some point during their drug use. Often the veins open up on their own. When they don't, serious, permanent health complications can ensue, including insufficient blood circulation.
   • In principle, little can be done about a collapsed vein. It is therefore vital that you focus on keeping your veins from closing.

Method 2 of 3: Seek treatment

1. Estimate the severity of the collapsed vein. Many collapsed veins cannot heal. Permanent damage can also occur in a very short time. If you think you have a collapsed vein, contact a doctor or hospital to discuss treatment options.
   • To give a vein the best chance of healing, you must stop injecting into that vein altogether.
2. Ask a doctor about supplements that can help. Vitamin C and other supplements can help fight inflammation in the veins. However, no supplement will eliminate the risk of a collapsed vein, nor guarantee that a collapsed vein will heal completely. It is always best to see a doctor immediately if you think you have a collapsed vein.
3. Anticipate medication or surgery. If you have been diagnosed with a collapsed vein, a doctor can prescribe blood thinners to thin your blood and promote circulation. In other cases, he may recommend surgery to repair the damaged veins as much as possible.

Method 3 of 3: Avoid collapsed veins

1. Seek help to stop intravenous drug use. The best way to prevent a collapsed vein is to stop the behavior that causes it. It can be difficult to quit drug use, especially if you have been addicted for a while. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you quit. The first step is to ask for help.
2. Change your needles. If you've decided not to quit, there are steps you can take to make intravenous drug use less dangerous. First and foremost, you need to find and use a facility nearby to get clean needles.
   • Used needles with blunt ends are one of the most common causes of collapsed veins.
3. Do not use the same site repeatedly for an injection. Collapsed veins are often the result of repeated vein trauma in the same place. Avoid injecting regularly in the same place. Never inject in an area that is visibly swollen or bruised.
4. Avoid injections in your hand or groin. Veins in your hands are small and will collapse easily. Likewise, injecting into veins in your groin can cause particularly dangerous circulation problems.
5. Clean the area and needle before injecting. Dirt and other debris can enter your veins and cause irritation, which can cause the vein to collapse. Therefore, wipe the area where you are going to inject and the needle thoroughly clean before use.
6. Perform the injections slowly and carefully. There are many aspects of non-medical intravenous injections that can be dangerous. For example, a tourniquet should never be pulled too tight, and a needle should be slowly removed after injection.