cold induced rash

[sunflower garden]

My daughter who is now 2 gets a rash whenever her skin is exposed to cold.I started noticing it last winter, when the air indoors or outdoors is 65 degrees or cooler she gets bumps that are slightly raised and they do not seem to itch. They kind of look like welts and she doesn't seem to even know they are there. I asked her peditrician about it and she doesn't think that it is a problem but she couldn't tell me what the cause was, she just said that babies skin is sensitive and she would most likely grow out of it. It is very annoying to me because other mom's are afraid and tend to pull their children away from mine because they think she has an illness of some sort. I searched this website and found a condition called cold urticaria but I don't know if this is right because it doesn't seem to itch or bother her. She also eats ice and cold drinks and she doesn't complain of anything.(she speaks very well for her age and tells me when she is uncomfortable ex.cold,hot,hurt,itchy,tired.). Any suggestions on what this might be? Thank you.

[Ashley73821]

In the cold I get rashes all over my face.....and that happends because I had very dry skin I don't put any lotion so if this happends to you in the cold I recommend to put on lotion.And last winter I always would put on lotion and i would not get any rashes.

[NaturalMedicine]

Hi - I would see a neurologist and get him to test for an over reacction of the Krause Corpuscles, which are the little bulbs that are the receptors of Cold at the end of each sensitivity nerve ending. Ruffinis corpuscles react to heat and Krause corpuscles react to cold. A sign it could well be that is that the hives and itching go away with heat - like a hairdryer on the hives and in a few seconds they are gone. Many doctors give antihistamines thinking its an excess of histamine that the body is producing - ridiculos theory if in a few seconds of being exposed to a hot hairdryer the itching and hives go away. Please see a neurologist - good luck

[NaturalMedicine]

Hi - I would see a neurologist and get him to test for an over reacction of the Krause Corpuscles, which are the little bulbs that are the receptors of Cold at the end of each sensitivity nerve ending. Ruffinis corpuscles react to heat and Krause corpuscles react to cold. A sign it could well be that is that the hives and itching go away with heat - like a hairdryer on the hives and in a few seconds they are gone. Many doctors give antihistamines thinking its an excess of histamine that the body is producing - ridiculos theory if in a few seconds of being exposed to a hot hairdryer the itching and hives go away. Please see a neurologist - good luck

[Acerr]

Hi,
     How old was he when the condition first appeared and how long until he grew out of it? My six year old has just started developing a red, angry rash when his face is exposed to cold temperatures. It rapidly appears but also disappears just as fast when he moves into warm temperatures. When it first occurred he said that his hands itched, but since then he says it doesn't itch at all.

I am a bit worried :(.

[Derrek1151]

Hello , I am 38 and have had skin reactions to extreme cold for most of my life . I get welt like bumps and skin redness usually around the wrist, elbow joints and abdomen  when exposed to cold water or very cold temps . It usually goes a way rather quickly when out of cold environments . I have no other allergies and am in good health .I think I am the only one in my family experiencing this . Funny thing is I have a very high heat tolerance

[1001michele]

Hi, I just cam across your post this morning.  I was looking on behalf of my 35 yr. old daughter.  Like you, it came out of the blue so severe that it affected her breathing and she needed to go to ER.  Since the initial attack she is suffering daily as you said you were.  Did the drs. ever say why this happens?  My daughter will get an appt. hopefully today with a Dermatologist and mention the medication you spoke of, Cyproheptadine.  
She has two small children and cannot go outside with them at all for fear of break outs (which will happen).  Thanks for your post, hope you continue to be break out free.
Michele

[moonsstarr923]

It KILLS me that the medical docs/hospitals/etc. NEVER EVER know what this is!!! WOW.  I'm sorry, but I HAVE to vent!  We can CLONE a human being; but the doctors cannot diagnose us! What the freak???  They NEVER know what this is, OR they tell us some bull crap like it's eczema or even, goodness forbid, herpes or some other FOOLISHNESS!!!  

Well, good thing there's informative people like you cranberrielove!  Because now we know the docotors/pharm companies will not profit enough to research this so the condition has a PROPER medical term.  SO THEN, the only thing left for us to do is treat our condition as best as we can.

The things that seem to work for a lot of us are:  Zyrtec (name-brand Cetirizine available WITHOUT a doctor at walmart for a dollar or two)  alone OR in combination with Singular.
Also the OLD antihistamine that the docs never think of anymore WORKS a lot: Cyproheptadine          But for this one unfortunately you need a doctor to write the script out for you. Therefore, I would suggest taking a picture of your hives at their WORST as proof of your suffering. And I would try using the over-the-counter remedies first (so you don't need to go through the dang stress of a doctor NOT knowing and believing you)

Good luck to you all, and I am SO sorry for your suffering. I understand, believe me. So BEST wishes to you all!!!

[moonsstarr923]

a LOT of people say there is something that's helping them, so miskit, it IS worth a try in my opinion.  try 10mg of zyrtec and 10mg of singulair a day.  OR you can try a stronger does of JUST zyrtec (generic is cetirizine, and it is at walmart for .88 cents!)

also, there's an OLD antihistamine that RARELY gets prescribed anymore (because there are soooo many newer ones); but it HELPS a lot of us!!! it's called: Cyproheptadine   For this medicine, you WILL, unfortunately, have to see a doctor for. BUT since the doctors do not believe us, , , I would suggest taking a PICTURE of your live, ACTIVE rash at its WORST to bring with you as PROOF of your suffering.

So, good luck to you. I understand this, and I know it's HELL on earth!!! I wish you the VERY best, and I HOPE these things WILL work for you!!!

[moonsstarr923]

You are exactly correct!!!  We *are* just treating the symptoms and NOT finding a solution/end/cure...  BUT, that is because NO one in the medical community gives a d@mn about us/it.  Maybe it's too uncommon for them to PROFIT of it/us... Maybe a lot of things...  But unless one of us SUFFERERS gets a medical degree, , , I'm afraid the ONLY thing we can do is keep swapping stories of way that have LESSENED our hellish symptoms.  (people often think it's no big deal; but they're wrong. this hurts us, it wakes us up at night, it's very embarrassing and effects or quality of life)  
But, zenmasterb, I understand your point, and I WISH it were so...

Happy Holidays to you and your family zen...

[moonsstarr923]

We don't have to SUFFER like this (and have people not believe us or tell us we have various illnesses that our condition is *NOT*).  There are TWO things that will STOP the rash (not cure it, but hey!---you won't get it anymore, and that's GREAT!)  
An OLD antihistamine Cyproheptadine will take it AWAY for GOOD!!! (take a PICTURE of your rash if it's not active when you see your doctor,  thus he/she does NOT believe you DO suffer!!!)
Zyrtec (generic Cetirizine) will take it away; BUT you usually have to get it from a DOCTOR, *not* over-the-counter because you NEED a larger mg of the medicine.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!! And God bless you!  There ARE people who understand what you go through!!!

[moonsstarr923]

We don't have to SUFFER like this (and have people not believe us or tell us we have various illnesses that our condition is *NOT*).  There are TWO things that will STOP the rash (not cure it, but hey!---you won't get it anymore, and that's GREAT!)  
An OLD antihistamine Cyproheptadine will take it AWAY for GOOD!!! (take a PICTURE of your rash if it's not active when you see your doctor,  thus he/she does NOT believe you DO suffer!!!)
Zyrtec (generic Cetirizine) will take it away; BUT you usually have to get it from a DOCTOR, *not* over-the-counter because you NEED a larger mg of the medicine.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!! And God bless you!  There ARE people who understand what you go through!!!

[moonsstarr923]

We don't have to SUFFER like this (and have people not believe us or tell us we have various illnesses that our condition is *NOT*).  There are TWO things that will STOP the rash (not cure it, but hey!---you won't get it anymore, and that's GREAT!)  
An OLD antihistamine Cyproheptadine will take it AWAY for GOOD!!! (take a PICTURE of your rash if it's not active when you see your doctor,  thus he/she does NOT believe you DO suffer!!!)
Zyrtec (generic Cetirizine) will take it away; BUT you usually have to get it from a DOCTOR, *not* over-the-counter because you NEED a larger mg of the medicine.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!! And God bless you!  There ARE people who understand what you go through!!!

[Agent_Alicorn]

I've had something like that happen to me earlier, when I let my Speedy Freeze lean against me too long. Small non-itchy bumps appeared on my mid-body section. That spot is kinda numb now >.<

[MARYANNGENTILE01]

Hi my 4 year old is having the same reaction outside and I am so scared wondering if you have any idea what this is?

[cold816]

NunavutMom - I moved from Toronto, Ontario to Virginia (south of DC) 10 years ago.

I started to break out about 12 years ago. Living near Toronto, my allergy would flare up within 5 minutes of being outside (in the winter).
Here, my allergy flares up within 5 minutes of being inside (in the summer).
I think my allergy is somewhat better because I can control the temperature better, but not always. Around here, we have humid summers and everywhere has their air pumped up really high from April to October. When I come inside from a hot day I break out quickly and I often have to change into wear winter clothes  because of this. So, whether you live north or south, the allergy won't be better or worse unless you can control the temperature.

[jaymsqueen]

Hi guys! I'm glad I'm not the only one facing this weird condition! I'm working in an airconditioned office, everyday if it's too cold, I will have these rashes/welts/hives (whatever you wanna call it) appearing on my hands, legs, thighs & sometimes on my face too! I seriously need to know what is this condition/allergy called so that I can be treated. Everytime, when I go to the doc, it will fade away so the doc can treat me.. it *****! pls do contact me & share your experiences! thanks.

[Valleylady1164]

is it Urticaria?? two years back i was driving and the cold air of my car hitting me i started with itch and swelling rash on my hands I was thinking it was probably a lotio I had used, so I changed body lotion but still kept on coming, then after on my feet now my body. yesterday i was out in the cold and for the first time i felt this way now on all over my body,face and skull I started feeling dizzy and a flush of heat on my face turning red then I could not breath felt weekness and had fast heartbeats my husband and I were extremly afraid since this was the first time so I rushed to the hospital I was recommended to have Benadryl and a shot in my purse in case I had this severe reacion again due to hives. now I cover my self very well during winter or try to stay indooors as much as I can, I would know for how long I have to deal with this matter all I know that I have to take care of myself as much as I can.

[oddingle]

I don't know if my condition is quite the same as hives, as my reaction to cold was large lumps. Hatless in the cold, my forehead develops lumps (not rashes per se) and once watching sports in winter, my lips became swollen, so much so that a friend asked if someone had hit me in the mouth. Like other contributors, swimming was a no-no unless it was the Mediterranean in mid-summer. I once developed a load of lumps between my armpits and hips from swimming. The lumps usually took 12 hours to completely disappear. I have less of a problem now (though I never put it to the test these days). I am 69, so it is something that you have to cope with.

[videl29]

did you ever find out what it was? i have the same problem and dr's cant figure it out please e mail me ***@****

[Cheezepuffy]

Yeah, I am 15 turning 16 (this month) and I have been struggling with allergic reactions ever since I was 5-ish. Not only till Grade 8, I was told I was allergic to the cold. In addition to this, I am occasionally allergic to fish, chicken, eggs, peanuts and nuts. I was made fun of my condition in Grade 7, which resulted into a depressing year. I covered up my body to conceal my rash and scaly skin, in fact I never wore a t-shirt in public since Grade 4.

Now back to my allergy to the cold. Yes, no one believed me I was allergic to the cold (not even myself.) When the cold season starts, my face would feel puffed up and itchy. It would be occasionally filled with hives or just scaly patches of redness. Grade 9 and 10 became even more horrible because I was starting High School.

Not only that, I became so depressed (no one knew though) because of my skin condition and felt sick everyday. I missed a majority of the school year which gave bad to average grades. So, with the stress of my grades going down plus the stress of my skin equals to EVEN MORE STRESS. Now during the summer, I went to the dermatologist and he told me my condition was genetic. I couldn't see how, since my parents and their relatives do not have skin conditions. I felt that because it is "genetic" I could never get rid of it. Upon hearing this, I just wanted to cry.

So he prescribed me with this skin oil and cream to put on top of it. He also gave me pills. He told me to take a bath/shower everyday and do not dry yourself with a towel. Once you come out of the shower put this oil and cream combo on your skin. I was quite skeptical.

It turns out, that it worked within the second week. My skin became smoother and less densed with eczema (especially my face and neck). The prescribed pills were a great addition to this too.

But now, it is the colder seasons and I ran out of my medication. Within two weeks off medication, it came back to haunt me. I realized then that I could never get rid of it, but atleast I can control it. I know it's bad to say that I have to rely on meds, but this summer and early fall using the meds helped take away my depression.

So, my mom tells when she gets the money, she'll purchase these and yeah.

I'll just list what works for me and/or what I used to control facial and body rashes:

1. Keep your skin hydrated. Every night (lol I also ran out of Aveeno) put Aveeno (regular) on your face and body and take Benadryl. In this way, you won't be up at night scratching miserably and uncontrollaby. Your skin would be hydrated for the whole night. And within a few days or weeks, your skin (especially on your face) will be noticably clearer. Also, change your bedsheets every now and then.

2. I felt that the combination of Aveeno+Curel worked for the first few months. Gave me some relief. I put Aveeno first then Curel.

3. The Skin Oil + Cream (cream was in a cylinder container and the cream was white, not transperent and creamy) after showers. Do not use scented body washes, but if it's all you have, make sure it is mild.

4. That big cylinder container of cream (this one was transperent cream and oily) worked for a bit. It is usually the cream that your doctor prescribes on your first visit. I used it for my face (I don't think you are supposed to lol) but I put a little bit before I sleep. Then I took Benadryl. It would be noticably clearer in the morning. The only downfall is that it will bleach your skin for a few weeks. XD I would suggest you use the tips from 1-3 rather than this one, even if it kinda works.

I know this has been a long comment, but I went through allergic reactions and symptoms for more than 10 years. And I am only 15 turning 16.

Hope it helps and this whole thing wasn't too confusing. :)

Good luck!

[rayne94]

Hey guys im 16 im pretty sure I have cold urticaria because everytime it gets cold inside or out I break out in hives somtimes they itch and sometimes they don't and they don't go away for at least 4 hours I've figured out that clergy mess seem to work but its getting worse and it's supposed to go away the older you get so maybe I don't have it any comments?

[mightymax457]

I am 18 an i have the same problem, when ever i get cold or it dosnt even have to be cold really just enuff to bother me i brake out in red bumps all over i mean all over and they do hurt not so itch but when i get it in my hands witch is a daylie deal it feels like i have arthritice ( dont know how to spell it) and it hurts really bad i just got it last summer when i was at work. i take zurtec and it seems to work a little but im glad to hear that there is other people out there like it and i would do about any thing to get reed of it, i feel like its putting a big stop on to me life :( i cant do most of the things my friends do because i look like bubble rap in a couple mins if there is a med i would love o get ahold of it

[mightymax457]

I am 18 an i have the same problem, when ever i get cold or it dosnt even have to be cold really just enuff to bother me i brake out in red bumps all over i mean all over and they do hurt not so itch but when i get it in my hands witch is a daylie deal it feels like i have arthritice ( dont know how to spell it) and it hurts really bad i just got it last summer when i was at work. i take zurtec and it seems to work a little but im glad to hear that there is other people out there like it and i would do about any thing to get reed of it, i feel like its putting a big stop on to me life :( i cant do most of the things my friends do because i look like bubble rap in a couple mins if there is a med i would love o get ahold of it

[cloegloe]

omg. Finaly people that know how i feel.the first time i broke out into hives was around 4-6?? Years old. I would get them when i would lay on the cold grass. And bang my whole body would break out into a rash. My mom thought i was allergic to the grass.
Around that age i broke out more, then it stop. Till i was 18 i got it once more twortds the end of my day at the beach, i thought it must of been the sand, then it went away within an hour. Years went by then i got it again at the age of 23 it happend on a cold morning, then again while i was washing dishes with cold water. The. It stop and now I'm 28 and for the past week I've had them everyday. I was going crazy thinking i was being attack by fleas or mosquitos. And it finaly hit me its the cold/water. I'm a mom now nursing and i dnt want to tk any meds and money is tight. What works the best is just keeping warm and a shower. I hate the. Chilly goose bump feeling anxious of scraching.