As if having a cold wasn’t enough, developing urticaria is even worse because of the condition of hives associated with cold exposure. According to medical experts, cold urticaria is a skin condition that affects the skin directly as an allergic reaction to cold exposure. It is recognized by the reddish and itchy hives or welts on extremities of skin.
Urticaria is diagnosed because of the typical signs and symptoms. While the condition itself is not inherited and can be a result of allergies, in rare circumstances, it could sometimes be the cause of serious underlying conditions like cryoglobulinemia, lymphosarcoma, chicken pox, chronic lymphatic leukemia or viral hepatitis.
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Cold urticaria is regarded as a rare condition that affects 1 in 100,000 people in the US. Those afflicted with cold urticaria experience different symptoms ranging from minor reactions to cold to severe reactions. For some, even swimming in water could cause low blood pressure and shock resulting in the risk of passing out. Cold urticaria attacks mostly young adults. Take a look at the signs symptoms and treatments of urticaria.
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Demetrios Theodoropoulos, MD, DSc, MSc, FACMG, FAAP, with Allergy Associates of La Crosse says that cold urticaria is easily identified but The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences says that cold urticaria is the most common type of hives. Research has traced cold urticaria to a chromosome called 1q40. Every nucleus of a human or living cell contains chromosomes that are the genetic data houses containing your DNA.
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According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, cold urticaria is defined as an abnormal skin reaction to cold exposure. The skin usually turns red and welts or hives soon start appearing within minutes. This is often accompanied by itching ranging from mild to intense. The rash can last from 5 minutes to 2 hours.
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Sometimes cold urticaria symptoms may not develop immediately and can appear after 24 hours and within 48 hours. Depending on the severity of the condition, it could last from 2 hours to 48 hours.
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According to medical experts like the National Organization for rare disorders, cold urticaria itself can be divided into subcategories.
The first subcategory: Appears within 5-30 minutes of cold exposure causing reddening and itching after which you may experience a burning sensation. The condition of hives soon develops and will last for about 30 minutes. You may also experience headaches, palpitations and wheezing.
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The second subcategory: Termed as reflex cold urticaria, welts can appear over a larger area of the body immediately after the body’s temperature may drop as a response to cold exposure.
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While the above is the usual conditions of urticaria, the condition can worsen and develop into a further severity of the condition. Severe conditions can cause fainting, swelling of the torso or limbs, racing heart, and even shock. There could also be a swelling of the tongue and throat making breathing difficult.
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Although a gene has been associated with urticaria, medical experts have still been unable to pinpoint its causes. The basic assumption is that some people have overly sensitive skin cells due to an illness or a virus or as an inherited trait. In urticaria, cold triggers a response in the body which releases histamines into the bloodstream. It is these histamines are substances that are produced by immune cells or basophils in response to allergic reactions. The chemicals produced in such a reaction is what causes the itching and an entire body reaction.
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Young adults are most at risk of developing the more common type of cold urticaria. If you are suffering from various underlying health conditions such as hepatitis or cancer you also invite a risk of cold urticaria as a secondary condition. While urticaria is not inherited, there are certain familial inherited traits that could cause the type with painful hives and welts along with flu-like symptoms after cold exposure.
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Cold urticaria can be diagnosed by a simple process. Place an ice cube on your skin. If you have cold urticaria, a red bump like hives will appear within five minutes after the ice cube is removed. Cold urticaria can also be caused by conditions that attack the immune system like an infection or fatal disease. In such cases, only medically prescribes blood tests can detect the disease.
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Cold Urticaria sometimes just disappears on its own within a couple of weeks or months. It has no cure but treatment helps manage the disease while preventive steps can be taken to prevent the conditions from developing.
Fortunately for those with urticaria, there are a number of formulated treatments in managing the disease. Antihistamines are usually the most preferred type of medication to manage the mild forms of urticaria. However, it is best to consult a doctor to make a correct diagnosis first before medicating yourself.
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There are a number of prescribed medicines that doctors will give you after a thorough assessment of your condition for cold urticaria. As an example Nondrowsy antihistamines like cetirizine may be prescribed for you, however, do not attempt to decide on a treatment plan for yourself until you see a doctor as more advanced medication may be required when your skin may not respond to the common antihistamine medication.
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• Consult with a doctor to take OTC antihistamines before cold exposure
• When swimming dip your hand in the water to check if there is a skin reaction
• Carry your medication with you at all times especially when going swimming or in cold weather.
• Whenever you are being treated for any medical condition or undergoing surgery, inform your doctor about your condition.
• Avoid cold showers
• Avoid foods that could trigger allergies
• Applying soothing calamine lotions on the skin is beneficial for the hives
• Aloe Vera gel applied on the affected area can provide immense relief
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