Itching and swelling

Itching and Swelling - Allergic Reaction Symptoms

On my way home from work today, I suddenly got incredibly itchy palms and feet. I got home and was almost tearful because of how incredibly uncomfortable it was, quickly getting in the shower to see if some cool water would help - it didn't. Within 15 minutes, my whole body was driving me crazy, with me using a stiff hairbrush to scratch at my skin. It hurts to walk on my swollen feet (not massively swollen, but definitely very hard and tender). Soon after, my bottom lip and ears swelled up and now my voice is raspy and my throat is a little dry and feels a little constricted. I am breathing fine and over the last hour the itching has largely subsided but the tenderness and swelling remains. I haven't eaten, drank or done anything different today and don't believe I was stung or bitten. Have I had an allergic reaction to something? Is there something I should do?

Answer:Itching and Swelling - Allergic Reaction Symptoms

The symptoms certainly sound like an allergic reaction and you need to seek urgent medical attention with this. If you have any antihistamine tablets available then you should take one as it might help with the symptoms. Allergic reactions can become life threatening and you have already found your throat feeling constricted. Seek help for this now.




My name is Dr Peter Thatcher MBBS, MRCPI and I am a consultant physician and gastroenterologist in the UK. I have an interest in internet based medicine and administer this site in my spare time. I hope you find this site useful and informative. If you have any suggestions, please Contact Me or if you would like to comment on my site, please do so by Clicking Here. If you like the site and would like to make a donation to support what I am doing please do so by Clicking Here. Thank you for visiting and please drop by again!