Several people are actually allergic to colds, for real! These individuals often get exposed to redness, itchy hives, and swelling after coming in contact with cold temperatures. If you are one of these human beings, chances are high that you are dealing with cold urticaria. Keep reading till the end, and you will get the scope of grabbing more information in no time.
Cold Urticaria- What Do You Mean by It?
Hives or cold urticaria is nothing but an allergic condition that typically results in itchy and red rashes on the skin after getting exposed to the cold weather. If you suffer from these kinds of situations, you will be able to witness the skin reaction immediately after five to ten minutes. However, cold urticaria doesn’t last for more than one to two hours.
Cold Urticaria- What Are the Types?
Cold urticaria can be divided into two types. Stay tuned to gain insights about them:
- Hereditary or Familial Cold Urticaria
In familial or hereditary cold urticaria, your skin might start showing the potential symptoms after 24 to 48 hours. Within one or two days, you will be able to get rid of the irritation quite seamlessly.
- Acquired or Essential Cold Urticaria
In essential or acquired cold urticaria, your skin symptoms might pave the way after two to five minutes of getting triggered. However, these marks and redness don’t last for more than one to two hours.
Cold Urticaria- What Are Some of the Causes?
Though the exact causes of cold urticaria are of unknown origin or idiopathic, you can check out some of the triggers mentioned below in this blog:
- Insect bites
- Infections
- Medications
- Blood cancer
- Anxiety and stress
- Physical exercise
- Cold
- Exposure to direct sunlight
- Exposure to some type of chemicals
- Skin scratching
- Exposure to several allergens such as animal fur, pollen, and food items
- Doing some kinds of activities that tend to put an extra amount of pressure on your skin; for example- sitting in a particular position for quite a long period of time
Cold Urticaria- What Are Some of the Symptoms?
Go through the signs and symptoms of cold urticaria that are mentioned below in this write-up:
- Temporary itchy hives or welts on your skin after getting exposed to cold weather
- Swelling of your hands after holding or touching any cold object
- Your skin might undergo a worsened reaction after becoming warm
- Swelling of lips due to the consumption of drink or cold food
- You might suffer from other severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. It can cause a racing heart, fainting, potential shock or swelling of the torso or limbs
- Swelling of the throat and tongue; can make breathing difficult for you
Cold Urticaria- What Are the Treatment Options?
To be honest, cold hives don’t come with a permanent solution. However, you can always reduce the symptoms by undergoing a plethora of treatment options such as:
- Avoiding triggers by reducing exposure to cold objects
- Preventing allergic reactions with the help of stronger medications such as omalizumab
- Opting for antihistamines
Final Word
Even if these cold hives are rare conditions, you must not leave the symptoms untreated in any given situation. Instead, always agree to seek medical assistance and combat the symptoms, thus taking a massive step toward a better life.