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What to do if…
you notice increasing redness, pain or swelling around an IV site after an infusion or injection

Short answer

Treat this as “needs checking promptly”: contact the team that gave the infusion/injection (or NHS 111) now, and seek urgent help sooner if the redness is spreading, the pain is increasing, or you feel unwell.

Do not do these things

  • Do not ignore “it’s getting worse” and just “see how it is tomorrow”.
  • Do not massage or firmly rub the area (this can worsen irritation and swelling).
  • Do not apply heat or ice unless a clinician specifically tells you to (different IV leaks/drugs are handled differently).
  • Do not flush, use, or give anything through the line/cannula at home if it’s painful/red/swollen (unless your clinical team has explicitly assessed it and instructed you).
  • Do not pick at scabs, squeeze, or try to drain anything yourself.

What to do now

  1. Stop using the IV/line (if it’s still in place) and tell a nurse immediately if you’re still in hospital/clinic. If you’re already home, call the infusion unit/ward/day unit that treated you (use the number on your discharge paperwork).
  2. Check for “urgent” red flags and act on them:
    • Call 999 if you have trouble breathing, severe chest pain, collapse/fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening swelling of the arm/neck/face.
    • Get urgent same-day help (A&E or via NHS 111) if you have fever/rigors, pus/drainage, rapidly spreading redness, red streaks, severe or escalating pain, new numbness/weakness in the hand, or the skin looks blistered, very tight, pale/blue, or unusually cold.
  3. Mark and document the change (takes 60 seconds):
    • With a pen, draw a small line at the edge of the redness and write the time.
    • Take one clear photo (include something for scale) and note whether the pain is at the puncture site or tracking along the vein.
  4. Protect the area while you wait for clinical advice:
    • Rest and support the limb (for example on a pillow).
    • Remove rings/watches on that arm if there’s swelling.
    • Keep any dressing clean and dry and avoid tight wrapping or pressure.
  5. If you can’t reach the treating team, call NHS 111. Say: “My IV/cannula site is getting more red/painful/swollen after an infusion/injection. I’m worried about infection or an IV leak into the tissue.”
  6. If you had chemotherapy (or you were given a chemo advice number), use that advice line urgently. If you don’t have a number, go via NHS 111 or A&E and tell them what was infused if you know.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide whether it’s “infection vs allergy vs bruising” right now.
  • You do not need to research treatments or apply creams/ointments.
  • You do not need to write a complaint or prove anything today—focus on getting assessed and keeping the site safe.

Important reassurance

It’s common to feel alarmed when an IV site changes after you leave. Many causes are treatable, and getting it checked promptly is the right move—especially when it’s worsening rather than settling.

Scope note

This is first-step guidance for the first hours after noticing worsening redness/pain/swelling at an IV or injection site. Ongoing care (for example antibiotics, dressings, scans, or specific extravasation treatment) must be guided by clinicians who can examine you.

Important note

This guide is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you feel significantly unwell, symptoms are rapidly worsening, or you’re unsure, seek urgent medical help.

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