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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