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Try one of these related symptoms.
Swollen area
Swelling occurs when a part of the body increases in size.
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Generally, Affected area is swollen can be related to:
An autoimmune disease caused by the body's immune system attacking organs and cells. The exact cause is unclear, but risk factors include being female, childbearing age, and heredity. SLE may involve nearly every organ system in the body with a wide range of potential symptoms that often wax and wane over time.
Infection of hair follicles by bacteria or fungi. When more hair follicles are involved, they can merge under the skin to become carbuncles.
Inflammation of the breast, caused by bacteria entering the milk ducts or by a duct becoming blocked. Good breastfeeding technique and avoiding pressure on the breast can help prevent it.
Sometimes, Affected area is swollen may be related to these serious diseases:
A bacterial skin infection, cellulitis occurs when bacteria invade the skin through a tear, which can be caused by insect bites, wounds, or scratching. People with diabetes and weakened immune systems have a higher risk.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
Reviewed By:
Maxwell J. Nanes, DO (Emergency Medicine)
Dr Nanes received a doctorate from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and went on to complete a residency in emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. There he trained at Froedtert Hospital and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in the practice of adult and pediatric emergency medicine. He was a chief resident and received numerous awards for teaching excellence during his time there. | | After residency he took a job at a community hospital where he and his colleagues worked through the toughest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Q.
Cat Scratch Fever? Why Your Skin Is Swelling & Medical Next Steps
A.
Swelling after a cat scratch or bite is often from cat scratch disease, a Bartonella infection that is usually mild and self-limited but can cause a small bump at the wound plus tender, enlarged nearby lymph nodes that appear 1 to 3 weeks later. There are several factors to consider when deciding next steps, ranging from simple wound care to antibiotics or urgent evaluation if redness spreads, fever develops, pain is severe, or you are immunocompromised; see the complete details below to guide your care.
References:
* Maor Y, et al. Bartonellosis: An Overview of the Clinical, Diagnostic, and Treatment Aspects. Microorganisms. 2023 Sep 21;11(9):2369. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11092369. PMID: 37747352; PMCID: PMC10536413.
* Homsy K, et al. Cutaneous manifestations of Bartonella infection: a comprehensive review. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 May 18;9:893891. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.893891. PMID: 35651559; PMCID: PMC9156641.
* Choudhury R, et al. Cat Scratch Disease: A Review of Clinical and Diagnostic Features. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2021 Sep 1;40(9):e363-e367. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003254. PMID: 34213349.
* Carrault L, et al. Cat Scratch Disease: Diagnosis and Management. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1297:1-12. doi: 10.1007/5584_2020_584. PMID: 33580582.
* Zangwill KM, et al. Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Cat-Scratch Disease. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2019 Jan;38(1):123-128. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000002167. PMID: 30740942.
Q.
Struggling with Swelling? Why Your Body Needs Bromelain + Medically Approved Next Steps for Relief
A.
Swelling relief with bromelain: this pineapple enzyme can modestly reduce inflammation, bruising, and pain after minor surgery, sinusitis, osteoarthritis, and soft tissue injuries, but it is not a cure and works best alongside proven steps like RICE, appropriate NSAIDs, compression, and treating the underlying cause. There are several factors to consider, including dosing ranges and variable evidence; see below for specifics. Safety matters too, especially bleeding risk and interactions with blood thinners, allergies, pregnancy, and signs that require urgent care, so review the medically approved next steps and red flags below.
References:
* Rather T, Ganai BA, Bhat JA, et al. Bromelain: A Comprehensive Review on Its Proteolytic Activity, Bioactive Compounds, Mechanisms of Action, Therapeutic Applications, and Toxicity. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2024 Jan 12;27:1174624. PMID: 38273618.
* Cochrane M, Wilson L, Baker S, et al. The efficacy of oral bromelain in the treatment of acute sprains and strains: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sport Rehabil. 2022 Mar 1;31(2):247-254. PMID: 35016024.
* Orsini G, Sciannamea V, Garzino Morello I, et al. Bromelain in Oral Surgery: A Review. Nutrients. 2021 Jul 26;13(8):2536. PMID: 34446401.
* Cai Z, Yang C, Fu Y, et al. The effect of oral bromelain in the management of post-operative edema and pain after third molar surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020 Oct;49(10):1335-1345. PMID: 32229272.
* Wang D, Yang Y, Zhang J, et al. A systematic review on the efficacy and safety of bromelain in reducing postoperative swelling and pain. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2017 Jul;75(7):1314-1322. PMID: 28318900.
Q.
Amlodipine Besylate Side Effects? Why You Swell & Medical Next Steps
A.
Amlodipine commonly causes ankle and leg swelling because it relaxes arteries more than veins, allowing fluid to shift into tissues; this edema is dose related, often gradual, and usually not a sign of heart or kidney failure. Do not stop the medication on your own; talk with your doctor about lowering the dose, adding an ACE inhibitor or ARB, or switching, and seek urgent care for facial swelling, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, one leg swelling with pain, or rapid weight gain. There are several factors to consider, and full guidance with important details is below.
References:
* Khan A, Azam N, Hafeez H, Zafar U, Abbas A, Batool S. Adverse Effects of Amlodipine: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus. 2023 Jun 20;15(6):e40652. doi: 10.7759/cureus.40652. PMID: 37402805; PMCID: PMC10359744.
* Wang K, Ma B, Lin J, Wang Y, Hu H, Zhou X, Xu X. Amlodipine-induced ankle edema: an updated review of its molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2022 Jan 1;79(1):e1-e12. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000001150. PMID: 34914844.
* Patel RB, Shah J, Reddy P, Singh V, Agrawal S, Khera R, Badhey A, Singh M, Arora S, Lavie CJ. Pharmacologic Management of Edema in Hypertension. J Hypertens. 2018 Sep;36(9):1778-1790. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001799. PMID: 29856545.
* Makani H, Bangalore S, Romero J, Wever-Pinzon J, Messerli FH. Peripheral Edema Associated With Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers: Incidence and Risk Factors-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Hypertens. 2017 Jul;35(7):1314-1323. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001377. PMID: 28445101.
* Crespo-Leiro MG, Al-Kassab A. Mechanism of dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker-induced peripheral edema. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2008 Apr;10(2):162-8. doi: 10.1007/s11906-008-0029-7. PMID: 18456885.
Q.
Cast Pain? Why Your Limb Swells & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Swelling and some aching under a cast are common in the first 24 to 72 hours and often improve with elevation above heart level, gentle finger or toe motion, icing around the cast, and doctor-directed pain medicine. There are several factors to consider, and the complete, medically approved steps and timelines are explained below. Get urgent care if pain is severe or not relieved by elevation, or if you notice numbness or tingling, pale or blue digits, coldness, inability to move them, extreme tightness, or fever and foul odor, since these can signal dangerous pressure such as compartment syndrome; see the full guidance below to choose the safest next step.
References:
* Mudd, L. M., & Zide, J. (2021). Principles of Cast and Splint Care in Orthopaedic Practice. *Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine*, *14*(1), 29–37.
* Noor, A., & Noori, S. A. (2018). Common Complications of Casting and Splinting. *Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons*, *26*(2), 98–107.
* Pons, T., Saucisses, F., & Gicquel, P. (2018). Compartment syndrome after cast application: a review of the literature. *Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research*, *104*(4), 539–544.
* Manoli, A., 2nd, & Smith, D. G. (2016). Post-traumatic Edema Management: A Review of Techniques. *Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research*, *474*(12), 2726–2736.
* Clements, N., & O'Hara, N. (2020). Early postoperative swelling in limb injuries: a review. *Trauma Case Reports*, *27*, 100297.
Q.
Swollen? How Diuretics Work and Your Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Diuretics reduce swelling by helping your kidneys excrete extra salt so water follows into urine, easing edema and sometimes blood pressure; they are most appropriate when fluid buildup is from heart, kidney, or liver disease and they treat symptoms rather than the root cause. Not all swelling needs a diuretic and using one without guidance can be risky. There are several factors to consider, including urgent warning signs like shortness of breath or one-sided leg swelling, and safe first steps like elevation, lowering salt, reviewing medications, and talking to a doctor before any water pills; for full medically approved next steps and when to seek urgent care, see below.
References:
* Wingo, C. S., & Gann, M. A. (2018). The Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Diuretics. *Seminars in Nephrology*, *38*(4), 304–318.
* Ellison, D. H., & Rutecki, G. W. (2019). Diuretic Resistance in Edema States. *New England Journal of Medicine*, *381*(12), 1148–1157.
* Felker, G. M. (2016). Loop Diuretics in Heart Failure. *Heart Failure Clinics*, *12*(2), 209–218.
* Verbrugge, F. H., & Mullens, W. (2018). Management of volume overload in heart failure: balancing decongestion with clinical outcome. *European Journal of Heart Failure*, *20*(4), 609–618.
* Shrimanker, I., & Bhattarai, S. (2023). Loop Diuretics. In *StatPearls*. StatPearls Publishing.
Q.
Cankles? Why Your Ankles Swell and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Swollen or less-defined ankles can be normal anatomy or fluid buildup from everyday triggers like prolonged sitting or standing, heat, pregnancy, salt, or minor injury, but they can also signal venous insufficiency, lymphedema, heart, kidney, or liver disease, or a blood clot. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Medically approved next steps include leg elevation, frequent movement, compression stockings, lowering sodium, weight management, and medication review, with condition-specific treatments when needed; seek urgent care for one-sided painful swelling or warmth, sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, or severe pregnancy swelling. Complete guidance and what to do next are detailed below.
References:
* Wulff, J., & Eckart, A. (2020). Differential Diagnosis of Bilateral Lower Extremity Edema. Deutsches Arzteblatt International, 117(25), 450–456.
* Ely, J. W., & Osheroff, A. B. (2016). Edema: Diagnosis and Management. American Family Physician, 93(12), 1000–1006. PMID: 27367462
* Rabe, E., Partsch, H., Hafner, H. M., Lattimer, C. R., Panicker, H. H., Myers, K., ... & International Union of Phlebology (IUP) Working Group. (2018). Management of chronic leg edema: consensus of the International Union of Phlebology (IUP) Working Group. Phlebology, 33(2), 70-87.
* O'Donnell, T. F. (2016). Chronic venous insufficiency: A review of management. Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery, 57(3), 398–406. PMID: 27077421
* Singh, S., & Singh, N. (2019). Edema: Pathophysiology and Clinical Approach. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 74(4), 540–549.
Q.
Unhappy With Rhinoplasty? Why Your Nose Is Swelling & Medical Next Steps
A.
Post-rhinoplasty swelling is very common and can make the nose look wider or uneven for weeks, with subtle refinement continuing for 6 to 18 months, especially at the tip. There are several factors to consider; see the complete guidance below. Stay in touch with your surgeon, follow aftercare, and be patient before considering revision, which is usually assessed after 12 months. Seek prompt medical care if swelling suddenly worsens, pain is severe, redness or warmth spreads, fever or pus appears, or breathing becomes difficult; important details that can affect your next steps are outlined below.
References:
* Miller PJ, Tassone D, Granzow JW. Postrhinoplasty Edema: Pathophysiology and Treatment. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2017 Aug;25(3):363-370. PMID: 28709848.
* Azimi T, Ruzgar M, Çekic O, Toplu F. Management of Prolonged Edema after Rhinoplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2019 Aug 20;7(8):e2380. PMID: 31485303.
* Sisti A, Tassinari J, Sisti G, Nisi G. Causes of Patient Dissatisfaction After Rhinoplasty. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021 Feb;45(1):159-166. PMID: 33136279.
* Ritschl LM, Ritschl P, Staudenmaier R. Long-Term Follow-Up in Primary Rhinoplasty: Swelling Resolution and Aesthetic Outcomes. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018 Jun;42(3):805-812. PMID: 29476210.
* Kosowski S, Khoury T, Lam SM. Revision Rhinoplasty: A Review of Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes. Clin Plast Surg. 2020 Jul;47(3):395-407. PMID: 32460980.
Q.
Is it a Hematoma? Why Your Body is Swelling & Medically Approved Steps
A.
Sudden swelling after an injury is often a hematoma, a pooled collection of blood that can feel firm and painful, change colors, and usually improves with rest, ice, gentle compression, elevation, and acetaminophen. Seek urgent care for severe or fast-growing swelling, numbness or tingling, fever, trouble moving the limb, head injury symptoms, or abdominal swelling with dizziness, and take extra care if you use blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. There are several factors to consider; see below for types of hematomas, how to tell them from blood clots, exact timing for ice versus heat, and when imaging or drainage is needed.
References:
* Guerrero RA, Biederman RW. Hematoma. [Updated 2023 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560613/
* Ruppert A, Seidel A. Sonography of soft tissue swellings of the extremities. Eur J Radiol. 2019 Sep;118:223-230. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2019.07.012. Epub 2019 Jul 17. PMID: 31331665.
* Kim SJ, Park SS, Park J, Kim KB, Choi KS. Management of large subcutaneous hematoma after blunt trauma: A retrospective study. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2017 Sep;8(3):209-213. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2017.02.007. Epub 2017 Feb 27. PMID: 28848135.
* Walker RC, D'Souza S. Imaging of soft tissue masses. Radiol Clin North Am. 2020 Jan;58(1):115-128. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2019.09.006. PMID: 31753443.
* Pang JJ, Rastegar A. The diagnosis and management of peripheral edema. J Gen Intern Med. 2021 Oct;36(10):3209-3218. doi: 10.1007/s11606-021-06899-7. Epub 2021 Jun 25. PMID: 34170321; PMCID: PMC8479586.
Q.
Is it an Abscess? Why Your Skin is Swelling & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
A true skin abscess is a painful, warm, red lump that grows over days and may feel soft or drain pus, and it usually calls for warm compresses, keeping the area clean, and often medical drainage rather than squeezing, since antibiotics alone may not work. There are several factors to consider, including how to tell it from a cyst, lipoma, or cellulitis and when to seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, or high risk sites like the face or groin; see below for medically approved next steps and other key details that could change what you should do.
References:
* Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, Dellinger ED, Goldstein EJ, Gorbach SL, Hirschmann JV, Kaplan EL, Montoya JG, Mulholland D, Notman DD, Peterson PK, Steigbigel NH, Tamura K, Wade JC. Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 2014 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2014 Jul 15;59(2):e10-52. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciu296. PMID: 24973522.
* Workman A, Brooks A, Bhattacharya V. Management of skin and soft tissue infections. BMJ. 2019 Feb 1;364:l732. doi: 10.1136/bmj.l732. PMID: 30709865.
* May L, Yeatts AK, Foran M, Lopez B, Rosen T. Current Management of Skin Abscesses in the Emergency Department. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2019 May;37(2):291-304. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2019.01.006. PMID: 30948074.
* Alsaad M, Al-Shamma S, Al-Abed S. Utility of bedside ultrasound in differentiating cellulitis from abscess. J Emerg Med. 2014 Feb;46(2):338-42. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.08.006. PMID: 24316104.
* Kaye KS, Patel S, Bhansali N, Chilton B, Beldavs ZG. Skin and soft tissue infections. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2016 Apr;29(2):114-9. doi: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000249. PMID: 26866589.
Q.
Still Swollen? Why RICE Fails & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Persistent swelling after an injury often means RICE helped only in the first 24 to 48 hours, but recovery now needs early, pain-free movement and smart loading, with compression and elevation for support, not cure. Ice is for short-term pain, and too much rest or prolonged icing can slow healing, while ongoing swelling can signal ligament or tendon tears, fractures, joint damage, infection, or a blood clot. There are several factors to consider, including red flags and when to seek imaging or urgent care such as if swelling lasts more than a week, worsens, or limits function, so see the complete, medically approved next steps below to guide what you should do now.
References:
* Dubois B, Esculier J-F. The RICE Protocol: Limitations and an Alternative Model of Healing. J Athl Train. 2020;55(11):1195-1196. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-552.20
* Bleakley CM, Glasgow P, MacAuley DC. POLICE: an evidence-based acronym for the treatment of acute soft tissue injuries. Br J Sports Med. 2012;46(4):220-221. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2011-090299
* Dubois B, Esculier J-F. Soft tissue injuries simply need PEACE & LOVE. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54(2):72-73. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2019-101215
* Kerkhoffs GM, van den Bekerom M, Raaymakers EL, et al. Early progressive mobilisation after acute ankle sprain: current evidence and future recommendations. Br J Sports Med. 2012;46(15):1022-1028. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091461
* Tseng CY, Lee JP, Tsai YS, et al. Applying ice to injured areas does not improve outcomes in sprains and strains. J Sport Rehabil. 2013;22(2):128-132. doi:10.1123/jsr.22.2.128
Q.
Aching Under Your Armpit But Feel No Lump? Why Your Lymph Nodes Are Reacting to Your Cycle
A.
Aching under your armpit without a lump is often from cyclical hormone shifts that make breast and nearby lymph tissue sensitive, and lymph nodes can ache even when they are not enlarged enough to feel; this typically flares before a period and settles once bleeding starts. There are several factors to consider, including deodorant irritation, minor skin or muscle causes, and red flags that mean you should see a doctor if pain persists 3 to 4 weeks or comes with fever, night sweats, weight loss, or a growing hard lump; see the complete details and next-step guidance below.
References:
* Kumar S, et al. Cyclic axillary pain - a common but under-recognized phenomenon? Breast. 2009 Feb;18(1):21-3. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2008.10.007. Epub 2008 Dec 10. PMID: 19070448.
* Yabuuchi H, et al. Physiological changes in breast and axillary lymph nodes during the menstrual cycle observed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Acta Radiol. 2007 Mar;48(2):123-9. doi: 10.1080/02841850601131776. PMID: 17364376.
* Benten D, et al. Estrogen and progesterone receptors in lymphoid cells: a review. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2001 Dec;79(1-6):11-6. doi: 10.1016/s0960-0760(01)00155-2. PMID: 11850239.
* Yang M, et al. Physiological changes in normal female breast and axillary lymph nodes during menstrual cycle. J Clin Ultrasound. 2005 May;33(4):185-9. doi: 10.1002/jcu.20108. PMID: 15822180.
* Ali MA, et al. Normal cyclic physiologic changes in breast tissue and axillary lymph nodes on breast imaging. Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2010 Jun;31(3):214-23. doi: 10.1053/j.sult.2010.02.001. PMID: 20494191.
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