Cold urticaria is a skin reaction to cold that appears within minutes after cold exposure. Affected skin develops reddish, itchy welts (hives).
People with cold urticaria experience widely different symptoms. Some have minor reactions to the cold, while others have severe reactions. For some people with this condition, swimming in cold water could lead to very low blood pressure, fainting or shock.
Cold urticaria occurs most frequently in young adults. If you think you have this condition, consult your doctor. Treatment usually includes preventive steps such as avoiding cold air and water.
Symptoms
Cold urticaria signs and symptoms may include: Temporary reddish, itchy welts (hives) on the area of skin that was exposed to cold, worsening of the reaction as the skin warms, swelling of hands while holding cold objects, swelling of lips from consuming cold food or drink.
Severe reactions may include: A whole-body response (anaphylaxis), which can cause fainting, a racing heart, swelling of limbs or torso, and shock, wwelling of the tongue and throat, which can make it difficult to breathe
Cold urticaria symptoms begin soon after the skin is exposed to a sudden drop in air temperature or to cold water. Damp and windy conditions may make a flare of symptoms more likely. Each episode may persist for about two hours.
The worst reactions generally occur with full skin exposure, such as swimming in cold water. Such a reaction could lead to loss of consciousness and drowning.
No one knows exactly what causes cold urticaria. Certain people appear to have very sensitive skin cells, due to an inherited trait, a virus or an illness. In the most common forms of this condition, cold triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. These chemicals cause redness, itching and sometimes a whole-body (systemic) reaction.
