Swollen and hives

[albertwilliams]

Over the past couple of weeks I have experienced two problems that may or may not be related. On two occassions either one or both of my feet have had noticable, uncomfortable swelling. One day my left hand was very swollen, another day where both hands were slightly swollen. This morning the foreskin of my penis was swollen. In these situations there were no hives or redness in the swollen area. Concurrently I have had welts or hives in several places. Usually my right arm, around my waist, and on my butt. They appear and go away within one day but I have had constant swollen red hives everyday.
I am assuming this may relate to a food allegy or perhaps the remodling project I am undertaking. This project has exposed some mold issues in my home.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

As best I can guess, you are describing angioedema.  Hives are swellings in the skin that look red, angioedema refers to swelling under the skin.  Often, they go together.  As you describe, they move around rapidly.  Most of the time, they do that for a while and disappear.  The vast majority of such cases have no cause, despite their reputation for being allergic.

For more specific information related to you, you'll need to see your doctor in person.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff