Cold Contact Allergy - Eyes

About a year ago I started having prpoblems with going out into the cold.  What happens is that whenever I go outside and it is cold and/or or windy, my eyes swell up.  There is no itching.  The area around and under my eyes swells up and looks like it is filled with air or water.  It seems to be getting worse as time goes on. Yetserday I went outside on an 80 windy day and it STILL did the same thing.  If I take a benedryl (or similar product) beforehand, it sometimes seems to minimize the effect.  Since I am an avid winter sport person, you can see that it has hampered me!!  There is no rash - only swelling.

Any ideas on what could be causing this?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

This may be a physical form of hives--meaning not an allergy, but a response to a physical stimulus (cold, wind) which causes your body to release histamine.  This produces itchy swelling.

I advise you to see a dermatologist or allergist.  While waiting, try OTC antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin (which won't make you sleepy.)  See how much either (or both) prevents the symptoms, and share this information with your doctor.

This condition is annoying but should be treatable.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff