What is IV Infiltration

IV infiltration is when fluid from your IV leaks under your skin. This can happen if the IV needle comes out of the vein or if the IV pokes through the vein to the other side. This may cause:

• Pain at the IV site.
• Swollen, tight, or stiff skin at the IV site.
• White, red, or cool-feeling skin at the IV site.
• A damp or wet bandage (dressing), if you have one.
• An IV that works more slowly than normal.
• Burning or loss of skin at the IV site. This may happen in very bad cases.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If directed, put ice on the swollen area:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Raise (elevate) the swollen area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
• Do not wear tight-fitting clothing, watches, or jewelry near the swollen area.

Contact a doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• Your skin at the IV site becomes swollen, red, or painful.
• Your skin feels numb.
• Your skin feels tight or cool to the touch.
• You have blisters around the IV site.
• Your skin changes color or is bruised.
• You cannot feel your pulse where the IV was placed.

Get help right away if:

• Your skin around the IV site turns dark and peels.
• You have red streaks on your skin coming from the IV site.
• You have pus coming from the IV site.