Cold urticaria

Overview  

Cold urticaria, also known as cold–induced urticaria, is a skin response that occurs shortly after exposure to cold temperatures. This reaction leads to the development of itchy hives on the skin. 

Patient affected by cold urticaria can experience a wide range of symptoms. Some patients may only have mild reactions to cold exposure, while others may experience more severe symptoms. In most case, people with this condition might face significant drops in blood pressure, fainting, or even shock when exposed to cold environments, such as swimming in cold water. 

There are two primary types of cold urticaria: 

• Acquired cold urticaria: This form, also referred to as essential cold urticaria, emerges in individuals without a family history of the condition. Symptoms typically manifest within a few minutes of cold exposure and usually subside within an hour or two. 
• Familial cold urticaria: Also known as hereditary cold urticaria, this type is genetically inherited within families. Symptoms in this case might take longer to appear, ranging from 30 minutes to 48 hours after exposure to cold. The duration of these symptoms can extend up to a day or two. 

Cold urticaria is most commonly observed in young adults. If you suspect you are experiencing this condition, seeking advice from a medical professional is recommended. Treatment generally involves preventive measures such as taking antihistamines and avoiding exposure to cold air and water. 

Symptoms 

Cold urticaria can show up with different signs and symptoms: 

• Temporary itchy raised areas on the skin exposed to cold. 
• The reaction getting worse as the skin warms up. 
• Hands swelling when holding cold things. 
• Lips swelling after having cold food or drinks. 

In more serious cases, these things might happen: 

• Anaphylaxis, which means widespread symptoms like fainting, fast heart rate, swelling of body parts, and shock. 
• Swelling of the tongue and throat, which can make it hard to breathe. 

Symptoms of cold urticaria typically arise shortly after the skin encounters a sudden decrease in air temperature or cold water, and higher humidity and windy conditions can exacerbate these symptoms. Each episode usually lasts for approximately two hours. The most severe reactions often occur when the skin is fully exposed, such as during activities like swimming in cold water, which could potentially result in loss of consciousness and an increased risk of drowning. 

Causes 

The exact cause of cold urticaria is not fully understood. It seems that some individuals have skin cells that are very sensitive, possibly due to something inherited, a virus, or an illness. In most typical cases of this condition, exposure to cold makes the body release histamine and other substances into the blood. These substances lead to the development of hives and occasionally a reaction throughout the whole body. 

Risk factors  

Elevated risk for this condition is linked to the following factors: 

• Being in your early adulthood: This type of cold urticaria is mostly seen in young adults. 
• Having another health problem: Sometimes, if you have conditions like hepatitis or cancer, you might develop a less common type of cold urticaria. 
• Getting it from your family: Cold urticaria doesn’t usually run in families, but sometimes it can. If it does, family members might get red, itchy welts and flu–like symptoms when they’re exposed to cold things.