IV question -

[AutonomousOwl]

Hi,

Do any of you have any tips to avoid the redness at IV insertion sites. Always happens anywhere in my arm. Technique is correct, and I use 29g, 30g or 31g. All have the same effect on leaving a red spot where it was inserted. Is this just an inevitability with IV? It just shows a bit and makes social situations awkward!

N.B. I haven't found any info on it on BL or on Google.

Inb4 other harm reduction tips - I know the score with H, and most other info, I have strong ties to the harm reduction field myself. Was just stumped by this one. I am guessing it is just part-and-parcel of it. Or maybe my technique is terrible, I doubt it though.

 

[Swimmingdancer]

- Wipe the area with alcohol before use, then allow it to dry completely before inserting the needle
- Never ever reuse needles, even if you just have had a hard time hitting the vein, only give it a couple tries before switching the drugs into a new syringe (or put on a new needle if you have the detachable kind)
- Rotate your veins (and the spots that you use even on the same vein) in order to allow each puncture time to heal
- Use the thinnest needle that will work for you
- Insert the needle with the bevel facing up
- Apply light pressure to the injection site after injecting to reduce bruising/redness (you can use a cotton ball and press on it gently with your finger)
- After injecting, keep the injection site clean, then about an hour later (or more) apply a thin layer of something to help it heal like scar gel, vitamin E oil, antibiotic ointment, etc

 

[AutonomousOwl]

Thanks for the advice. However, I followed every point to the tee. I knew most/all anyway. It's weird. Maybe I am too shaky or something causing it to mark

 

[Swimmingdancer]

Some degree of a red mark is inevitable in my experience, especially if you have sensitive skin.

*PS - I've deleted the post you wanted removed, but for future reference you can delete your own posts by clicking "Edit" then "Delete", then selecting the toggle button next to "Delete Message", then clicking "Delete Post".

 

[Chutulu]

Lucky i dont have that problem, but now after several years i have this 10000injection scar so my advise, change place some times. Soo boring to talk about youve been an 'ex' junkie 'before' when someone notice and you feel the urge to explain. :-D

 

[Serotonin101]

my track mark covered any redness. I used 31g pins as well, minimal redness but it was still present. no avoiding it.

 

[Chutulu]

I use the 0.5 *16mm here in norway (Orange ones)

Guess Its 25g *5/8

 

[Captain.Heroin]

When I use a 31g, it normally doesn't leave much of a mark at all.

 

[AutonomousOwl]

I just thought. Maybe it is because I am not using a tourniquet and my veins might not be on the surface enough. Because I have some terrible marks on my arms today from 31g. Thought I wouldn't need a tourniquet tho as I do a lot of weight lifting and have quite vascular arms

 

[Swimmingdancer]

I doubt using a tourniquet would help. I would avoid using a tourniquet if you don't have to.

 

[Crashing]

There should only be a tiny red dot, or pin prick. Proper technique can sustain your veins for a long time, any other marks right away or over the course of time means you're doing something wrong.