[60F] Experiencing facial and hand swelling with redness

Patient Description

A 60-year-old female presents with a 2-day history of facial and hand swelling, described as red and warm to the touch, with the swelling being more pronounced in the cheeks and eyelids. The patient reports a long-standing issue with moderate itchiness in the eyes, which has been unresponsive to prescription eye drops used to manage glaucoma. Additionally, the patient has noted the onset of blurry vision, described as out of focus, which started 1 day ago. There is no associated fever or chills, and the redness on the face is described as blotchy. The patient denies any previous similar episodes of blurry vision.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible conditions include:

  • Allergic Reaction: This can cause swelling, redness, and itchiness. It could be due to a new food, medication, or environmental factor.

    • Treatment typically involves avoiding the allergen and taking antihistamines. In severe cases, an epinephrine injection may be needed.
  • Angioedema: This is a type of swelling that affects deeper layers of your skin, often near your eyes and lips. It can be caused by an allergic reaction, a side effect of certain medications, or a hereditary condition.

    • Treatment usually involves medication to control the swelling and itching. In some cases, treating the underlying condition can help.
  • Cellulitis: This is a common bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and warmth. It usually occurs when bacteria enter a break in the skin.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics.
  • Glaucoma: You mentioned you have glaucoma, which can cause blurry vision and redness in the eyes. However, it does not usually cause swelling in the face and hands.

What you can do

  1. If you think you might be having an allergic reaction and you have an epinephrine auto-injector, use it right away and then call 911 or go to the emergency room. Even if symptoms improve after an injection, you still need to go to an emergency department to make sure symptoms don't return when the effects of the injection wear off.
  2. If you don't have an epinephrine auto-injector, take an antihistamine and go to the emergency room immediately.
  3. If you don't think it's an allergic reaction, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible. This could be a sign of a serious condition that needs treatment.

What you should look out for

  • If your symptoms worsen or you develop difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
  • If you develop a fever, this could be a sign of an infection and you should seek medical attention.
  • If your vision changes or worsens, this could be a sign of a serious eye condition and you should seek medical attention.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I am an AI and not a doctor. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional for any medical concerns.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are common causes of facial and hand swelling?

Common causes of facial and hand swelling include allergic reactions, angioedema, infections like cellulitis, and certain medications. It's important to identify the underlying cause to determine the appropriate treatment.


How can I differentiate between an allergic reaction and cellulitis?

An allergic reaction often presents with sudden swelling, redness, and itchiness, and may be accompanied by other symptoms like hives or difficulty breathing. Cellulitis, on the other hand, is a bacterial infection that typically causes localized redness, warmth, and swelling, often with pain and sometimes fever. A healthcare professional can help differentiate between the two.


Can glaucoma cause blurry vision and what should I do if it worsens?

Glaucoma can cause blurry vision due to increased pressure in the eye affecting the optic nerve. If your vision worsens, it's important to contact your eye doctor immediately, as this could indicate a need for urgent treatment to prevent further damage.


What should I do if I suspect an allergic reaction but don't have an epinephrine auto-injector?

If you suspect an allergic reaction and don't have an epinephrine auto-injector, take an antihistamine if available and seek emergency medical attention immediately. It's crucial to get professional help to manage the reaction and prevent complications.


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