Taking down hand swelling

[valmom]

LOL- yes, the effectiveness of the anti-histamine action is unfortunately inversely proportional to how sedating/psychoactive it is. So, Benadryl works best, then Zyrtec, then Allegra, then Claritin (for most people) in order of decreasing mental status changes.

 

[Beekissed]

You might also take an anti-inflammatory med like ibuprofen...and don't stop at just one dose. It takes a little while for them to work their magic and it's best if you maintain a therapeutic level for a few days. You can also elevate that hand to encourage fluid shift out of the extremity and back into lymph channels.