Do I Have Cold Urticaria?

Do you develop temporary reddish, itchy welts (hives) on the area of skin that was exposed to cold weather, especially on skin that clothing didn’t cover?

Do your hands swell while holding cold objects?

Do your symptoms worsen as your skin warms up?

Do your lips or throat swell from consuming cold food or drink?

Have you ever developed an itchy rash after being in cold water?

Have you ever had mild dizziness, fainting, or rapid heartbeat after being in cold water?

Do you have a fever?

Do you have a headache, anxiety, or tiredness?

Do you have shortness of breath or wheezing (breathing with a whistling sound in the chest)?

Do you have a family history of cold urticaria?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have cold urticaria. Cold urticaria is an allergic skin reaction that occurs when the skin is exposed to the cold (cold weather, cold water, cold objects). The cold stimulus provokes the release of histamine and other mediators of inflammation, which leads to redness and itching of the skin. Even common activities like walking in cold weather can trigger an episode of urticaria. Cold urticaria can occur as an isolated disorder or as a consequence of another disease. In most cases, cold urticaria is of unknown cause. It affects men and women equally, and most often occurs in young adults.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have cold urticaria. Cold urticaria is an abnormal reaction of your skin to the cold. There are two types of cold urticaria: acquired and hereditary. Acquired cold urticaria is usually of unknown cause, but it can also be a consequence of an infection, insect bites and various blood disorders. Hereditary cold urticaria is the result of a defective gene inherited from one or both parents. Your doctor can make a diagnosis by placing an ice cube on the skin for several minutes. In people with cold urticaria, a characteristic rash will appear at the place exposed to cold.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have cold urticaria. Cold urticaria is a chronic skin disorder characterized by an uncommon reaction of the skin when exposed to cold. The symptoms of cold urticaria often appear minutes after exposure and last up to several hours. The main symptoms are welts on the skin that often itch (hives). In most cases people with cold urticaria are otherwise healthy. Cold urticaria can go away on its own within a few weeks or months. If you need treatment, your doctor may prescribe the appropriate medications. It is also important to avoid exposure to a cold.