Swelling of the feet and hands during an allergic reaction

Allergic swelling is often accompanied by itching, hives, flushing or a feeling of warmth and may begin after food, medicine, an insect sting, latex or skin contact. It can affect both hands and feet, although one area may be more noticeable. Swelling without those features can have other explanations, including injury, joint inflammation or fluid retention, so the trigger and pattern matter. Hand swelling after trauma is assessed differently from a sudden widespread reaction.

Stop exposure to a suspected new food, medicine or product and note when the symptoms began. Follow an allergy action plan or prescribed emergency medicine exactly as directed. Stay with someone who is becoming more unwell, and do not drive yourself if severe symptoms are developing. A healthcare professional should review a first episode, a recurring reaction, or swelling that does not settle.

Call emergency services immediately for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat; trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness, confusion, or difficulty swallowing. Rapid progression can occur even if the first symptom seems limited to the hands or feet. Seek prompt assessment for fever, marked redness, severe pain, or one-sided swelling, because these patterns may point away from a simple allergic reaction.

Ask what trigger is most plausible, whether you need an allergy plan, and which symptoms should prompt emergency treatment. Share every new food, medicine, supplement, sting, cosmetic or cleaning product used before the swelling.