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Itisha Arya

What Is Cold Urticaria? Doctors Warn Of Painful Allergy Caused By Cold Exposure

cold urticaria spreading in uk

Beyond icy roads and fogged-up car windscreens, the coldest season can also bring on a painful condition that leaves the skin covered in red, itchy patches. Doctors have issued a warning about this lesser-known illness, which tends to worsen in low temperatures. 

The condition, known as <span>cold urticaria</span>, affects around one in 2,000 people. It causes swelling and itching of the skin when it comes into contact with cold air, cold water, or even air conditioning. Red welts or hives can appear within minutes, and the discomfort may last for as long as two hours.

Cold urticaria is an uncommon condition in which the body reacts abnormally to cold temperatures. It typically causes rashes or hives after exposure to cold air, water, food, or drinks. In some cases, symptoms can be more serious. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition may sometimes be linked to an underlying blood cancer or an infectious illness.

Griet Voet, head of a dermatology clinic in Ghent, Belgium, as per Express UK, said the condition is often confused with common winter skin problems such as eczema. “This is not just dry skin caused by cold weather, it is a genuine allergic reaction to cold,” she explained. In more severe cases, large areas of the body may be affected, particularly after swimming in cold water or spending extended periods outdoors. This can lead to intense itching, facial flushing, and even headaches, stomach pain, or fainting. Sudden temperature shifts, such as moving from a warm indoor space into cold outdoor air, can also trigger symptoms. Drinking ice-cold beverages may cause swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat.

<h2>Cold Urticaria: What Are The Symptoms Of This Disease?</h2>

Symptoms of cold urticaria differ from person to person and can range from mild to severe. They may be limited to a small patch of skin or spread across the entire body.

The most common sign is a skin rash that appears after contact with something cold. The rash usually develops once the exposure ends, as the skin begins to warm up.

<ul><li>Hives, bumps, or raised welts</li><li>Itching</li><li>Redness</li><li>Swelling</li><li></li></ul><strong>Other possible symptoms include:</strong>

<ul><li>Fatigue</li><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Joint pain</li></ul>In very rare and severe cases, a person may develop a reaction that affects the whole body, such as:

<ul><li>Fainting</li><li>Heart palpitations</li><li>A severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis</li><li>Shortness of breath or wheezing</li></ul>

<h2>How Is Cold Urticaria Diagnosed?</h2>

A medical professional can often diagnose cold urticaria using a simple test. An ice cube is placed on the skin, usually on the arm, for a few minutes and then removed. If a hive or rash appears several minutes later, the result is considered positive.

In cases of familial cold urticaria, diagnosis may involve exposure to cold air for a longer duration.

Doctors may also suggest blood tests to check for any underlying illness or infection that could be contributing to the condition.

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Beyond icy roads and fogged-up car windscreens, the coldest season can also bring on a painful condition that leaves the skin covered in red, itchy patches. Doctors have issued a warning about this lesser-known illness, which tends to worsen in low temperatures. The condition, known as cold urticaria, affects around one in 2,000 people. It causes swelling and itching of the skin when it comes into contact with cold air, cold water, or even air conditioning. Red welts or hives can appear within minutes, and the discomfort may last for as long as two hours.What Is Cold Urticaria?Cold urticaria is an uncommon condition in which the body reacts abnormally to cold temperatures. It typically causes rashes or hives after exposure to cold air, water, food, or drinks. In some cases, symptoms can be more serious. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition may sometimes be linked to an underlying blood cancer or an infectious illness.Griet Voet, head of a dermatology clinic in Ghent, Belgium, as per Express UK, said the condition is often confused with common winter skin problems such as eczema. “This is not just dry skin caused by cold weather, it is a genuine allergic reaction to cold,” she explained. In more severe cases, large areas of the body may be affected, particularly after swimming in cold water or spending extended periods outdoors. This can lead to intense itching, facial flushing, and even headaches, stomach pain, or fainting. Sudden temperature shifts, such as moving from a warm indoor space into cold outdoor air, can also trigger symptoms. Drinking ice-cold beverages may cause swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat.Cold Urticaria: What Are The Symptoms Of This Disease?Symptoms of cold urticaria differ from person to person and can range from mild to severe. They may be limited to a small patch of skin or spread across the entire body.The most common sign is a skin rash that appears after contact with something cold. The rash usually develops once the exposure ends, as the skin begins to warm up.The rash may include:Hives, bumps, or raised weltsItchingRednessSwellingOther possible symptoms include:FatigueFeverHeadacheJoint painIn very rare and severe cases, a person may develop a reaction that affects the whole body, such as:FaintingHeart palpitationsA severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxisShortness of breath or wheezingHow Is Cold Urticaria Diagnosed?A medical professional can often diagnose cold urticaria using a simple test. An ice cube is placed on the skin, usually on the arm, for a few minutes and then removed. If a hive or rash appears several minutes later, the result is considered positive.In cases of familial cold urticaria, diagnosis may involve exposure to cold air for a longer duration.Doctors may also suggest blood tests to check for any underlying illness or infection that could be contributing to the condition.