The six signs you could be allergic to the cold – and when your allergy could be life-threatening
THE cold weather can trigger a range of symptoms, with the most common being shivering.
But if certain symptoms seem out of the ordinary when you step outside in winter, it could be you’re allergic to the cold.
Being allergic to the cold is a condition known as cold urticaria.
While it’s considered rare, only affecting about 0.05 per cent of the population, cold urticaria can occur when the skin is exposed to cold air, water, food, or drink.
Carolina Goncalves, the Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmica, explained: “This reaction occurs when the body releases histamine in response to cold stimuli, which can be considered a type of immune system response.
“While it is not a true allergy, cold urticaria is often referred to in everyday language as an allergic reaction to cold.
“It is a rare condition that results in rashes or hives.”
Symptoms can begin shortly after exposure and can last for about two hours.
According to Goncalves, the most common symptoms are:
- Hives – these are red, itchy bumps that appear on the skin following exposure to the cold. It can cause swelling under the affected skin.
- Burning sensation – this accompanies the hives.
Individuals may also experience:
- Swelling beneath the skin
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Fainting
But Goncalves warned: “Cold hives could also cause anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction that causes breathing difficulties), though this is quite rare.”
Anaphylaxis is considered life-threatening and can happen very quickly.
Symptoms usually start minutes after coming into contact with something you’re allergic to.
The NHS says symptoms include:
- swelling of your throat and tongue
- difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
- wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
- feeling tired or confused
- feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
- skin that feels cold to the touch
- blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
When should you seek medical help for symptoms?
In the first instance, if symptoms are localised and not severe, you can get advice from a pharmacist, advised Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy.
But if you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, don’t wait, phone 999 without delay.
Test for cold urticaria at home
Dr Lee recommended a simple you can do at home to see if you have the condition.
She advised: “Put an ice cube on your skin for five minutes and develop a painful, red swelling where it was situated, this makes the diagnosis.
“But you should see your GP for a formal diagnosis and help and advice regarding treatment.”
Treating cold urticaria
The best way to treat cold urticaria is to avoid being cold.
But the most common treatment is with an antihistamine such as loratadine, cetirizine or fexofenadine – which are non-drowsy.
In severe chronic cold urticaria, the monoclonal antibody Omalizumab is sometimes prescribed.
But Dr Fox warned: “Don’t take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or aspirin, or opiates, for example, codeine, unless you really have to, as they can make urticaria worse.”
How do you know if you've got hives?
Hives occur when your body releases histamine and other chemicals under the skin, causing swelling.
The main symptom is an itchy rash, which can:
- be raised bumps or patches in many shapes and sizes
- appear anywhere on the body
- be on one area or spread across the body
- feel itchy, sting or burn
- look pink or red when affecting someone with white skin; the colour of the rash can be harder to see on brown and black skin
Your local pharmacist can give advice about antihistamine treatment to help a hives rash.
But ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- symptoms of hives do not improve after two days
- you’re worried about your child’s hives
- the rash is spreading
- hives keeps coming back (you may be allergic to something)
- you also have a high temperature and feel unwell
- you also have swelling under your skin (this might be angioedema)
Source: NHS