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Angioedema (deep swelling of the skin)

Also called: Angioedema, deep skin swelling, lip swelling

Swelling deeper in the skin, often the lips, eyes, tongue, or throat. It can come from allergies or medicines like ACE inhibitors.

DangerThroat or tongue swelling
Medicine causeACE inhibitors

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Swelling of lips, eyes, or face
  • Swelling of the eyelids, face, hands, feet, or genitals that comes on fast

When to get medical care

Call 911Tongue or throat swelling or trouble breathing: call 911.
Get care todaySwelling of the face.
See a doctor soonRepeat swelling.

Causes

Allergy, medicines, inherited.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • ACE inhibitor users

Diagnosis

Exam.

Treatment

Avoid triggers.

Self-care

  • Stop a suspected medicine with your doctor's advice

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Antihistamines
Allergic swelling
Epinephrine
Severe reactions

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an allergist (allergy and asthma doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What's causing my symptoms?
  • What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Angioedema (deep swelling of the skin)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.