Itching and Swelling of Hands and Feet

One-sided swelling after an injury, bite, or new product has a different context from swelling on both sides. Look for redness, warmth, scaling, tiny blisters, hives, pain, or numbness. Tight rings and shoes can worsen discomfort. Hand and foot eczema may crack or ooze, while contact reactions often match gloves, footwear, soaps, or cleaning products. [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) and [Contact Dermatitis](/conditions/contact-dermatitis/) are examples of conditions that can involve itchy skin; the symptom alone cannot identify its cause.

Tell a clinician when the swelling began, whether it changes through the day, and whether your face, lips, or breathing are affected. A new medicine, infection, heat exposure, or an underlying circulation problem may also matter.

Remove rings, watches, and tight footwear before swelling increases. Rest the affected limb in a comfortable raised position, keep the skin cool, and avoid hot water. Use a bland moisturiser on dry skin and pause fragranced soaps, detergents, and recently introduced creams. Do not pierce blisters. A pharmacist or clinician can help choose an anti-itch option and decide whether compression or another measure is appropriate; avoid self-treating significant swelling without advice.

Seek emergency help for sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, breathing difficulty, faintness, or rapidly spreading hives. Get prompt assessment for one-sided swelling with pain, warmth, marked redness, fever, blue or pale skin, or new weakness. Arrange a medical review when swelling persists, keeps returning, limits movement, or is accompanied by widespread itching. Photograph the skin and note new foods, medicines, products, bites, and activities.

Ask whether the swelling appears skin-related or deeper, which exposures should be stopped, whether testing is needed, and how to prevent another episode.