What does skin swelling feel like with angioedema?

Angioedema is swelling in deeper skin layers. It can make the face, lips, eyelids, hands, feet, or genital area look puffy and feel stretched. The skin may feel smooth rather than scaly, and the swelling can be tender or itchy. It may develop over minutes or hours and can affect one area or several areas at once. Hives may occur alongside it, but deeper swelling can appear without an obvious surface rash.

Move away from a suspected trigger if one is clear, such as a new food, medicine, or sting, and follow any emergency plan previously given to you. Do not scratch or press the swollen area. Photographing changes and noting when the swelling began can help a clinician assess the episode. A healthcare professional can advise whether an antihistamine or another treatment is appropriate for your situation.

Get emergency help immediately if swelling involves the tongue, mouth, or throat, or if you have trouble breathing, swallowing, speaking, faintness, wheezing, or rapidly worsening symptoms. These signs can indicate airway involvement. Seek prompt medical assessment for a first episode, repeated episodes, or swelling that is painful, associated with fever, or not settling.

Ask what might have triggered the episode, whether any medicines should be avoided, and what symptoms should activate an emergency plan. Also ask how to distinguish future angioedema from ordinary puffiness and whether family members should know what to do.