Are you allergic to cold too? Maybe this is 'Cold Urticaria'!

Have you ever had red, itchy welts on your body after eating ice cream or taking a cold shower? Sometimes, even when a cold wind blows, this happens to some people. It's a little scary, isn't it? That's how our body reacts abnormally to cold, and this is what we're going to talk about today , 'Cold Urticaria' . Although this is a bit new to hear, it's very important to know.

What exactly is 'Cold Urticaria'?

Simply put, `Cold Urticaria` is an allergic reaction of our skin to cold temperatures. It is similar to how some people are allergic to food or dust. However, the allergy here is caused by cold. For someone with `Cold Urticaria`,

• When you eat or drink something cold (like ice cream, cold water).
• When there is something like ice on the skin.
• It's okay to bathe or swim in cold water.
• When walking outside in cold weather.

In such cases, symptoms such as hives, redness, and itching may appear on the skin. While this is normal for some people, some people may experience severe reactions . Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.

Did you know there are two main types of this condition?

Yes, there are two main types of `Cold Urticaria`.

1. Acquired cold urticaria: This is the most common type. It is sometimes called essential cold urticaria. The special thing about this type is that it can occur even in people who have no family history of the condition. Symptoms start to appear within minutes of exposure to cold. Fortunately, these symptoms usually subside within an hour or two .

2. Familial cold urticaria: This is also called ``Hereditary cold urticaria.`` As the name suggests, this is a genetic condition that is passed down from generation to generation . In this type, symptoms may take a little longer to appear. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 30 minutes to 48 hours after exposure to cold. Also, these symptoms may last for a day or two .

Who is more likely to develop `Cold Urticaria`?

In fact, anyone can develop this condition called `Cold Urticaria`. The hereditary type we talked about earlier (`Familial cold urticaria`) is a bit rarer. It usually develops in people who have no family history of this condition.

However, sometimes `Cold Urticaria` can be associated with other health conditions. For example:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia : This is a type of blood cancer.
• Cryoglobulinemia : This is also a blood disease that responds to cold.
• Lymphosarcoma : A cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system.
• Other types of urticaria (other types of hives) .
• Syphilis : A sexually transmitted disease.
• Viral infections : For example, `Mononucleosis` or `Chickenpox`.

Therefore, if you have symptoms of `Cold Urticaria`, it is wise to see a doctor and check for other underlying medical conditions such as this one.

Is this `Cold Urticaria` a very rare condition?

Yes, `Cold Urticaria` is a relatively rare condition. Familial cold urticaria, which is hereditary, is even rarer. That doesn't mean it's a disease that affects everyone.

Why are we so allergic to cold? What is the reason?

Now let's see why this happens. `Cold Urticaria` occurs because our body releases chemicals called `Histamines` in response to cold. This histamine is something that our immune system produces in response to an allergen. This histamine acts as if it is trying to fight off something foreign that enters our body.

In `Cold Urticaria`, our bodies release histamine in response to cold. However , the exact reason why our bodies react to cold in this way is still not fully understood. That is, the underlying cause is still unclear.

Is `Cold Urticaria` an autoimmune disease?

Some cases of `Cold Urticaria` can also be a symptom of autoimmune disorders . An autoimmune disease is a condition in which our body's own immune system, for some unknown reason, attacks our own healthy cells or tissues. This is a bit complicated.

What are the symptoms of `Cold Urticaria`? How do we recognize it?

The symptoms of `Cold Urticaria` can vary from person to person. Some people may experience mild symptoms , while others may experience severe symptoms . Also, these symptoms can occur in only a small area of ​​the skin or spread all over the body.

The main and most common symptom is the development of a rash or rash-like condition on the skin after exposure to cold. This rash usually appears when the skin temperature rises again after the exposure to cold.

With this damage, you can see things like:

• Hives, bumps, or welts.
• Severe itching.
• Redness of the skin.
• Swelling.

In addition to these, some people may also experience other symptoms:

• Fatigue.
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Joint pain.

However, in very rare, severe cases, a systemic reaction can occur, affecting the entire body . In this case, you may see dangerous symptoms such as:

• Fainting.
• Heart palpitations.
• Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing.

Important: If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fainting, or sudden swelling of the entire body after exposure to cold, it is essential to seek medical advice immediately.

Is this disease called `Cold Urticaria` contagious?

No, `Cold Urticaria` is not a contagious disease . This means that just because you have this condition, you cannot spread it to others. However, as we discussed earlier, sometimes `Cold Urticaria` can be associated with viral infections or other infections . Those underlying infections can be contagious from one person to another.

How does a doctor diagnose this condition?

Usually, an experienced doctor can diagnose `Cold Urticaria` with a very simple test . It is called the `ice cube test`. This involves placing an ice cube on your skin (for example, your hand) for a few minutes and then removing it. Then, if the area where the ice cube was placed is itchy or red and looks like a rash after a few minutes, you can suspect `Cold Urticaria`.

However, to diagnose the hereditary type of ``Familial cold urticaria'', you may need to be exposed to cold air for a longer period of time .

Additionally, your doctor may recommend several blood tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition or infection.

What are the treatments for `Cold Urticaria`?

The main and best way to manage `Cold Urticaria` is to avoid cold exposure. Apart from that, there are several other treatment options.

• Antihistamines: These medications work by blocking the action of the histamines we discussed earlier. Taking these medications before exposure to cold can help prevent a reaction, and taking them after a reaction has occurred can help control it. Your doctor will prescribe an antihistamine that is right for you.

• Desensitization: This is a slightly different method. What you do here is to gradually accustom your body to gradually increasing cold temperatures. For example, you start by bathing in slightly cold water. Then, day by day, you gradually increase the coldness of the water. But you should definitely do this with someone nearby. Because if you have a sudden, severe reaction, there will be someone to help you. Over time, this method can help your body get used to the cold and reduce its response. But remember, never do this alone without talking to a doctor.

• Epinephrine injection: Epinephrine is a hormone also known as adrenaline. In the event of a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis), this injection can be given quickly to slow down the reaction. It is usually given in a doctor's office or hospital. Some people who are at risk for severe reactions carry an epinephrine auto-injector, such as an EpiPen®, with them at all times.

In addition to this, there are other treatment options, such as the Omalizumab vaccine and some antibiotics .

Also, if the condition `Cold Urticaria` is associated with another disease or infection, your doctor will provide the necessary treatment for that underlying condition as well.

Is there anything we can do to reduce the occurrence of `Cold Urticaria`?

Because scientists still do not fully understand the exact causes of `Cold Urticaria`, there are currently no proven methods to prevent it.

However, if you have this condition, avoiding cold temperatures and cold foods and drinks can help reduce the severity of reactions and symptoms. This means that while it may not prevent the disease completely, it can help keep symptoms from occurring.

Does `Cold Urticaria` condition completely get better?

An episode of `Cold Urticaria` can last from a few minutes to a few hours . Most of the time, these symptoms go away on their own once you get out of the cold. However, sometimes treatment may be needed to relieve the symptoms.

The long-term prognosis of `Cold Urticaria` varies greatly from person to person. For some people , the condition may go away within a few years. For others, it may persist throughout life . Many people manage the condition well by making the necessary changes to their lifestyle.

Can `Cold Urticaria` come back after treatment?

Yes, even after successfully treating a case of `Cold Urticaria`, the condition can recur. Therefore, it is important to always be careful.

How can we be careful with this `Cold Urticaria` condition?

Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to protect yourself from this condition. Common advice includes:

• Stop taking cold baths and showers. Use lukewarm water as much as possible.
• Reduce cold foods and drinks (ice cream, ice water, juice from the fridge) as much as possible.
• Before entering any water (sea, river, swimming pool), put your hand in it and see if you have a reaction.
• If your doctor has advised you to, keep antihistamines or an EpiPen® with you at all times.
• Avoid going outside as much as possible in cold weather. If possible, wear warm clothing that covers your entire body (such as a scarf, gloves, and a hat with earflaps).
• When you go swimming or go out on a cold day, make sure someone else is with you. If you have a severe reaction, you could lose consciousness, have an accident, or even drown in the water.
• Tell all your doctors that you have this condition, especially if you are going to have surgery. Because operating rooms are often cold, some people with Cold Urticaria have had reactions even while under anesthesia.

Following these tips will help you live with `Cold Urticaria` without much discomfort.

Remember as a summary (Take-Home Message)

Cold Urticaria is an allergic reaction of the skin to cold temperatures. If you experience symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling of the skin after exposure to cold, you should definitely see a doctor. He or she can advise you on how to protect yourself from this condition and, if necessary, suggest appropriate treatment. Remember, this is nothing to be afraid of, but the most important thing is to be aware and take precautions.

` Cold allergy, Cold Urticaria, Skin rash, Histamine, Anaphylaxis, Antihistamine, Skin diseases