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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Cold Contact Allergy - Eyes
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Cold Contact Allergy - Eyes
by ROWDY, Aug 25, 2003 12:00AM
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?
Any ideas on what could be causing this?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Aug 25, 2003 12:00AM
, Aug 25, 2003 12:00AM
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
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
