Angioedema is deep tissue swelling under the skin. It may affect various parts of the body, including the hands.

Angioedema may cause visible swelling on one or both of your hands. It might happen on its own or along with other symptoms, such as itchy hives.

This swelling has many possible causes. A doctor can help you find out what’s causing angioedema and recommend treatment, such as medication and lifestyle changes.

Sometimes angioedema on your hands may be accompanied by swelling in your throat, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms that require immediate medical treatment.

Read on to learn more about angioedema on your hands and when to get medical care.

Angioedema may cause visible swelling of:

  • one or more fingers or finger joints
  • the back of your hand
  • your palm

You may have swelling on one hand or both hands. It may be asymmetrical (uneven) and can range from mild to severe. Severe swelling might cause pain and make it difficult for you to bend the affected joints.

Swelling caused by angioedema is not gravity-dependent. That means it can affect any area of your body, not just the areas where fluid tends to build up as a result of gravity, such as your lower legs.

You might also have other symptoms affecting your hands, such as:

  • skin color changes
  • a rash or hives
  • itching

Additionally, you might experience symptoms in other areas of your body.

A doctor may order tests or refer you to a specialist to find out what’s causing angioedema on your hands.

Potential causes include:

  • viral or bacterial infections
  • medication reactions
  • allergic reactions to triggers such as foods or insect stings
  • chronic conditions, such as:
    • chronic urticaria (hives)
    • hereditary angioedema (HAE)
    • certain autoimmune disorders
  • lymphoproliferative disorders (conditions involving overproduction of a type of white blood cell)

Some of these conditions cause acute angioedema, which goes away in less than 6 weeks.

Others cause chronic angioedema, which lasts or comes and goes for 6 weeks or longer.

You can talk with a doctor to learn about treatment options for angioedema on your hands.

They may recommend:

  • taking over-the-counter medication
  • starting or stopping prescription medication
  • making lifestyle changes

The specific treatment will depend on the cause of the angioedema.

Sometimes, certain triggers may cause a reaction that involves angioedema. A doctor can help you find out whether certain triggers might be causing your symptoms and how to avoid or manage those triggers.

Get emergency medical treatment if you develop angioedema on your hands along with any of the following symptoms:

  • swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat
  • abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • trouble breathing
  • rapid heartbeat
  • dizziness
  • fainting

These may be symptoms of a life threatening systemic reaction known as anaphylaxis. It requires immediate treatment with epinephrine and sometimes additional treatment in a hospital.

HAE attacks may also cause life threatening swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, which requires immediate treatment.

Angioedema on your hands may go away on its own, or it may require treatment to manage. It can be either acute or chronic.

Your treatment options and outlook will depend on the cause of the angioedema.

Following your treatment plan may reduce your symptoms and lower your chances of experiencing another angioedema attack.

Angioedema on your hands may involve mild to severe swelling on one or both hands.

You might also have other symptoms, such as itchy hives or skin color changes.

Angioedema may result from an infection, an allergic reaction, or another health condition. A doctor can help you find out the cause of your symptoms and recommend any necessary treatment.

Get emergency medical treatment if you develop swelling of your throat or tongue or other symptoms of a systemic reaction. Anaphylaxis or HAE attacks may cause these symptoms and require immediate treatment.