When to worry about skin swelling with angioedema

Angioedema is swelling deeper in the skin and nearby tissues. It may affect the eyelids, lips, hands, feet, or other areas and can occur with or without itchy hives. Swelling that stays on the skin and settles without airway symptoms still deserves medical review if episodes keep returning, last longer than expected, or have no clear trigger.

Stop and note what happened before the swelling, including a new food, medicine, insect sting, infection, or skin product. Avoid a suspected trigger until a clinician advises you. Do not scratch or apply unfamiliar creams to swollen areas. If a clinician has supplied an emergency plan or medicine, follow those instructions exactly and keep the plan available.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, wheezing, a tight throat, voice change, drooling, difficulty swallowing, faintness, confusion, or rapidly increasing swelling of the tongue or mouth. Seek prompt medical care for repeated episodes, swelling after a medicine, severe abdominal pain or vomiting, or swelling that is worsening rather than settling. Do not drive yourself if breathing or faintness is present.

Ask what may have triggered the episode, whether any current medicine could be involved, what early warning signs require emergency action, and whether you need a written response plan for future swelling.