Cold Urticaria!

It's an allergy to cold temperatures.It's of a high medical importance in the cold countries. 

Occurs in minutes or even seconds after exposure to a cold stimulus "cold air,cold water,etc..". 

:Symptoms 

:general 

Reddish, itchy welts on the area of skin that was exposed to cold . vary in size from about 7 mm - 27 mm or larger ! 

Swelling of hands when holding cold objects. 

Swelling of lips when eating cold foods. 

:In rare cases 

severe swelling of the tongue and throat that can block breathing 

:Severe reactions 

In some people, reactions affect the whole body . This is known as a systemic reaction: 

Fainting  

Chills 

Fast heartbeat 

Swelling of limbs or trunk 

The worst reactions occur with full skin exposure, such as swimming in cold water. 

A massive release of histamine and other immune system chemicals causes a sudden drop in blood pressure that can lead to fainting, shock and, in rare cases, death. 

In the case of cold-water swimming, drowning can be caused by loss of consciousness. 

The severity of cold urticaria symptoms varies widely. Some people have minor reactions to cold, while others have severe reactions. It's also impossible to say whether it will get better over time. In some cases, cold urticaria goes away on its own after several months. In other cases, it lasts many years ! 

:Causes 

The cause of cold urticaria isn't clear. 

-Certain people appear to have overly sensitive skin cells 

-either due to an inherited trait 

-or caused by a virus or other illness. 

Exposure to cold triggers the release of histamine and other immune system chemicals into the skin. These chemicals are the responsible for the symptoms. 

When to occur for example ?? 

only in the susceptible people 

-Cold weather: Exposure to cold or cool air for more than a few minutes can trigger a reaction. 

-Swimming:can be dangerous specially with the systemic reaction.An allergy medication before entering the water is necessary. 

-Air Conditioning: Entering a cool building during a summer day can result in an allergic reaction to exposed areas of skin, congestion from breathing the cool air and possibly feeling fatigued. 

-Cold Foods/Drinks: Eating or drinking cold or cool substances such as ice cream,may result in the individuals tongue and surrounding tissues swelling. 

:-others 

:Types & Risk factors 

Cold urticaria can occur in any age group, whether in female or male. But it's more likely to have cold urticaria if: 

:*You're a child or young adult. 

A type of urticaria called primary acquired urticaria occurs in children and young adults. 

This is the most common type of urticaria, and it usually improves on its own within two to three years. 

*:You have an underlying health condition. 

Known as secondary acquired urticaria, this less common type of cold urticaria can be caused by an underlying health problem, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis or cancer. 

:*You have certain inherited traits. 

Rarely, cold urticaria is associated with an inherited condition called familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome. This condition causes painful wheals and flu-like symptoms after exposure to cold. 

:Treatment 

There is no cure for cold urticaria, but treatment is supportive. 

The most important treatment is to stay warm. 

Warming up immediately after exposure to cold temperatures usually helps control the welts before they get worse. Although, the welts do not instantaneously disappear after warming the affected area(s), warming up afterwards reduces the time it takes for the welts to go away. 

Prevention There's no way to avoid getting cold urticaria in the first place, but you can help prevent symptoms by taking medications as prescribed and avoiding cold temperatures, especially cold exposure to unprotected skin. 

:Medications can help prevent and reduce symptoms. 

Antihistamines 

Antidepressants,to treat anxiety and depression. 

These medications won't cure cold urticaria , they'll only ease symptoms. 

If you have cold urticaria because of an underlying health problem, you may need medications or other treatment for that condition as well. 

Take Care

Dr: Rokya Elmahdawy      

DMI Team

 Source:Mayoclinic