Allergic to Cold

[nevrclr]

Does anyone know of an alternative treatment for allergic reactions to the cold (temperature related allergy)? This started in my mid twenties (over 5 years ago) and I believe the trigger was overexertion during exercise. Sounds strange, but I literally remember feeling something resembling an electric surge through my body after an intense cardio kickboxing class and have had this problem ever since. Every doctor I have been too simply prescribes Claritin or Zyrtec (which of course are now available OTC) but I am looking for an alternative solution? I may not even feel cold but once my skin is exposed to temps below 74 degrees I develop painful hives on my arms and legs, and in extreme cases of cold on my face.

[feigner33]

Hi,

I started getting these allergies in 2003 after having gone to Japan.  I just assumed it was some kind of bug from there.  The doctors had no clue whatsoever and told me to take benadryl.  I endured it for 2 years before anyone was even close to admitting that it was a real problem and not a problem that I made up.
I break out even when it's warm mostly if say my body temperature cools off.  It could be dead middle of summer and I'm doind some kind of exercise.  When the body starts to cool down, I break out.  I wear a thing sweater even in summer months.  People don't understand and sometimes don't believe it.  What's worse is tht they made small heaters in our office space against policy so I break rules everyday.
The best thing that helps me more than zyrtec is Atarax (Hydroxizine).  I hate taking so many pills but it works better than the other things.
Let me know if you find something better.

[frother]

I wrote this on another post and though it may be useful for you.....

I have been diagnosed with Cold Urticaria. Being a surfer and snowboarder you can imagine my concern. I saw a specialist etc and all they said was stay out of the cold. Gave me a epi pen and i was on my way.

Feeling helpless i looked for other alternatives and one that was mentioned to me was to go gluten free. That and the taking of a natural drug (avail at health food stores) called inflavanoid has helped dramtically and while i still suffer some effects from it i am back in the water surfing. Here's a quick measure of my improvement:

Keep water temp the same and so is the wetsuit i am wearing at all times.
Before Gluten Free
Surfed for 15 minutes. Hands swelled, light headed and red all over. Outside air temp 28 degrees celcius
1 week after gluten free
Surfed for 45 minutes. Slight hands swell, red feet, red in spots and on arms. Outside air temp 24 degrees celcius.
3 weeks after
Surfed for 90minutes. Slight redness in hands/feet and in small spots on arms. Outside air temp was 15 degrees

I am also not afraid to expose myself to the cold in small doses. It cant hurt as long as it's controlled and i think it only helps build strength. The doctors dont advise you anything other than a just wait and see approach. I would prefer to at least take some action and going gluten free is something that has worked so far for me.

While i am no expert i have seen results from this approach. Try it. It cant hurt.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Cold urticaria is a disorder characterized by the rapid onset of itchiness, redness and swelling of the skin within minutes after exposure to a cold stimulus.The main treatment for cold urticaria is avoidance of cold.Epsom salt baths and application of rose water and vinegar has also stated to  be useful.In some cases,homeopathy has been found to be useful.You can log on to the following website to have a detailed view:
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Urticaria.html
You should however discuss the uses and adverse effects of these remedies with your doctor first so that no life threatening anaphylaxis is there.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.