What to do if blood vessels turn black and harden after chemotherapy
Jul 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
In general, after chemotherapy, darkening and hardening of blood vessels may be caused by poor baseline vascular conditions, repeated puncture injuries, irritation of the vascular endothelium by chemotherapy drugs, chemical phlebitis, or thrombophlebitis. Patients can visit a正规 hospital to choose methods such as general treatment or medication to improve the condition. In daily life, patients should avoid pressing on the darkened and hardened blood vessels.
Generally, after chemotherapy, the blood vessels may turn black and hard due to several possible reasons, including poor baseline vascular conditions, repeated puncture injuries, irritation of the vascular endothelium by chemotherapy drugs, phlebitis caused by medications, and thrombophlebitis. Patients can visit a正规 hospital to choose general treatments or medication therapies to improve these conditions. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Poor Baseline Vascular Conditions
Patients who are older or have underlying conditions such as diabetes may naturally have weaker vascular wall elasticity, making the vessels more prone to turning black and hard after chemotherapy. It is important to control blood sugar levels and consume more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. Applying a warm towel to the affected vascular area for 15 minutes twice daily after chemotherapy may also help.
2. Repeated Puncture Injuries
M ultiple punctures in the same vessel can damage the vessel wall, causing local bleeding and bruising, which may lead to darkening of the vessel. During the healing process, fibrous proliferation may cause the vessel to harden. To prevent this, it is advisable to choose thick and straight vessels for puncture and avoid repeated punctures at the same site. After puncture, the needle puncture site should be pressed correctly without rubbing to minimize bruising.
3. Chemotherapy Drugs Irritate the Vascular Endothelium
Chemotherapy drugs can damage the vascular endothelium, causing vasoconstriction and blood stasis, which may lead to darkening and hardening of the vessel. There may also be mild pain. During chemotherapy, the infusion rate should be appropriately adjusted, and normal saline should be promptly used to flush the line after chemotherapy. Under a doctor's guidance, topical application of heparin sodium ointment may be helpful.
4. Drug-induced phlebitis
Drug irritation can cause venous inflammation, with symptoms such as vascular wall congestion and swelling, and impaired blood flow, resulting in darkening and hardening of the vessel, often accompanied by redness and tenderness. Patients should use medications such as diclofenac sodium gel, cefixime capsules, and venoruton tablets under a doctor's guidance.
5. Thrombophlebitis
When a blood clot forms due to vascular endothelial injury, blood stasis worsens, causing the vessel to darken and harden. This condition is often accompanied by significant pain and cord-like hard nodules. Prompt vascular ultrasound examination at a hospital is necessary, and patients should use medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, rivaroxaban tablets, and aspirin enteric-coated tablets under a doctor's guidance.
In daily life, patients should avoid pressing on the darkened and hardened vessels; maintain a light diet and drink plenty of water; and appropriately exercise the arms during chemotherapy to promote blood circulation and reduce vascular damage.
