swelling and hives

my husband developed hive like rash on his feet and hands and also these areas have swelled. He has tried bynedryl and claratin. What could be the cause and treatment for this? No know allergies and no contact with poisen ivy ect...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Sudden appearance of hives and swelling of the feet and hands can be due to allergies. Give some antihistaminic like Benadryl to your husband and consult a doctor as he may need topical and oral steroids for his symptoms. If there is no relief then cardiac and renal causes need to be ruled out from a physician.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.