What should you know about facial oedema?

Swelling may affect the eyelids, lips, cheeks or the whole face. It can appear suddenly after contact with a trigger, medicine, food or insect bite, or develop with inflammation. Angioedema can cause deeper swelling, sometimes with hives; cellulitis more often causes a tender, warm, red area that may spread. Hives are raised, itchy patches that can accompany swelling. Facial puffiness on waking can also have non-skin causes, so the pattern and other symptoms matter.

Note when the swelling began, where it is, whether it is itchy or painful, and any new food, medicine, cosmetic or skin treatment. Stop a suspected irritating product and use a cool, clean compress. Do not squeeze, massage or apply strong creams to an unexplained swollen area. A clinician can examine the skin and review medicines or allergies; treatment depends on the cause.

Get emergency help for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, wheezing, faintness, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Seek prompt medical assessment for fever, marked tenderness, warmth, spreading redness, eye pain, vision changes or swelling after an injury. Persistent or recurring facial oedema also deserves a clinical review even when it is mild.

Could this pattern fit angioedema, hives, cellulitis or a non-skin cause? Which medicines or products should I pause? What symptoms would mean I need urgent help, and should I keep a trigger diary?