Let’s be honest, being sick is never fun. It’s gross, uncomfortable and frankly a little embarrassing.
This is especially true when the sickness is as physically apparent as cold urticaria. You’ve got hives all over your skin and you can’t stand it anymore.
There’s no need to panic, though. We’ve got you covered!
Cold urticaria is your skin’s reaction to cold. For people with this condition, skin that’s been in contact with anything cold develops reddish, itchy welts – or hives – according to the Mayo Clinic. This occurs because cold triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. These chemicals then cause redness and itching. In more serious cases, it even causes a whole-body (systemic) reaction. This condition occurs mostly with young adult and it typically clears up within a few years.
However, no one really knows what exactly causes cold urticaria. Some people just have very sensitive skins cells due to an inherited trait, virus or an illness. And for our sensitive skin sisters, you already know the struggle.
As previously discussed, the most common symptoms of cold urticaria are reddening, itching and unusual welts or patches on the skin. Additional symptoms may include anxiety, fever, low blood pressure, headache or fatigue. Palpitations, wheezing and fainting are also common signs.
These symptoms can occur as soon as 30 minutes after exposure or as late as 48 hours after coming in contact with cold air or water. But whenever they appear, they usually last no longer than 30 minutes.
If your symptoms, however, last past six weeks, then you have a chronic condition. At this point, an immediate doctor’s visit is crucial.
The worst case scenario – don’t freak out – would be death. But death is extremely uncommon with this disorder. And just in case you missed it the first time around: Death is extremely uncommon with this disorder.
Cold urticaria typically comes from skin exposure to cold air or swimming in cold water, and there are two primary forms of this condition.
This is just a fancy way of saying hives that were acquired environmentally, not genetically. For this type, symptoms occur within two to five minutes of exposure to cold temperatures. And thankfully, symptoms only last around one to two hours.
As the name suggests, this type is hereditary. This form takes 24 to 48 hours before symptoms become apparent. And for this type of urticaria, symptoms could last up to 48 hours. Yikes.
But don’t worry – this type is rare.
Pretty simple, actually. Symptoms can typically be treated with antihistamines. H1 and H2 receptor blockers can also be great treatment options. Some popular H2 antagonists include Pepcid AC, Zantac and Tagamet.
On top of that, urticaria can also be treated with drugs, such as:
An injection of this kind would only be used in as a last resort. The allergic reaction would have to be almost to the point of anaphylactic shock to consider this option.
This is a common antihistamine that is typically taken orally. It is not to be used it emergency situations. Rather, it’s a progressive, long-term solution to urticaria.
This doesn’t just relieve itching, it can also prevent allergic reactions from happening. Keep in mind though that it can’t prevent allergic reactions from other factors such as food, insect stings or latex.
Also, in emergency situations, this would not substitute for Epinephrine.This drug is primarily used for low-level treatment and prevention purposes. Lastly, do not continue using this drug after six weeks of treatment.
This is an antihistamine used to control urticaria symptoms. It can’t prevent allergic reactions and it only serves as a short-term solution for the condition.
This is a short-term medication for hives that is typically transferred through an IV. There are serious side-effects that go along with this drug, so doses tend to be minimal. However, this drug does more than treat symptoms of cold urticaria, it can also stop them from reoccurring!
Though this condition can be a huge pain, don’t stress about it too much. More serious symptoms are possible, but not very likely.
Don’t fall into the WebMB rabbit hole that convinces you you’re dying. Instead, recognize your symptoms, go to the doctor and, above all, take care of yourself.
Take a deep breath, girl. This too shall pass.
