Rash on the body and swollen lips

Angioedema is swelling in deeper skin tissues and can occur with hives, a new medicine, food, an insect sting, or contact with another trigger. Swelling may affect the lips, eyelids, tongue, or throat. A rash can also occur with infection or a medicine reaction, so the timing and appearance matter. Swollen lips do not identify the trigger by themselves, and the reaction can change after it first appears.

Stop exposure to a suspected new food, medicine, or product if this is safe, and keep a record of what happened and when. Do not take another dose of a suspected medicine unless a clinician advises you. If you have a prescribed emergency allergy plan, follow it. Stay with someone who can help and avoid driving yourself if symptoms are progressing. Contact urgent medical services for same-day advice even when breathing is currently normal.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, a swollen tongue, difficulty swallowing, voice change, dizziness, faintness, confusion, or rapidly increasing swelling. A widespread rash with vomiting or severe weakness is also an emergency concern. Symptoms can worsen quickly, so do not wait for them to settle on their own.

Could this be angioedema, hives, or a medicine reaction? Which foods, medicines, or products should I avoid? Do I need an emergency action plan? What should I do if lip or tongue swelling returns?