Cold weather allergy

Not many of us enjoy being cold, but for some it can be life threatening. Cold urticaria is a form of allergy in which the body reacts to exposure to cold.

It is quite common and typically occurs in young adults aged between 18 and 25. There is also a rare form which is inherited.

Acquired cold urticaria is the most common form. Symptoms will typically occur within a few minutes of exposure to cold and will last for a few hours. In the inherited form the symptoms can take up to 2 days to occur and can last for more than a day.

The symptoms include itchy weals and a rash which can be limited to the point of contact or be spread over the whole body. Additionally, in some cases there can be shortness of breath, wheezing, stomach pain, ulcers and an irregular heartbeat.

In very severe cases there can be a drop in blood pressure, shock, collapse and even death. This can happen when a person is suddenly exposed to a sharp drop in temperature, for instance by jumping into a cold body of water.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cold urticaria is simple - an ice cube is held against the skin for a few minutes. A distinct red rash will develop in minutes if the patient has it.

Treatment

There are no treatments as such, although a high dose of antihistamines may be helpful in some cases.

People who have cold urticaria are advised to only undertake aquatic activity under close supervision due to the dangers involved.

This article was published on Thu 19 November 2009