Common Causes Of Swollen Hands And Feet

Allergic Reaction

When an individual's body comes in contact with something it senses as harmful, an allergic reaction can occur. Almost anything in our environment, including food, medicines, insects, soaps, and skin care products can cause this type of reaction. An allergic reaction that causes hands or feet to swell is usually something that has affected the area locally, such as an insect sting or bite. The body responds by releasing histamine, which causes blood vessels to dilate increasing the blood volume and causing swelling in the area. Antihistamines taken orally are very effective in treating swelling from an allergen. Antihistamines block the effects of histamine and stop the cascade of events that cause swelling.