Is the swelling a result of trauma? If so, cold is the best way to handle it. Ibuprofen can help too.
If the swelling is spontaneous, a number of causes may underly it... everything from simple acne to serious autoimmune problems. If you get spontaneous itchy swellings in soft, fleshy areas, talk to your doctor about something called angioneurotic edema (essentially a severe form of hives that causes swelling instead of rashes, the hereditary form of which is potentially fatal). Histimine reaction swellings are easily resolved with antihistimines, benedryl (diphenhydramine) being the most effective if you can tolerate the stone off it.
Good luck with your beak.
