Skin/cold reaction

[jessicalaca]

If my skin touches somethin cold, like if I'm holding a gallon of milk or a cold drink in my hands and it touches my arm, or like yesterday at work, was on the computer, the arm I was using for the mouse, was on the counter, which is marble, and was very cold, my arm it turns bright red an swells up and itches.  Never had this happen before, been happenin last couple days.  And idea what that is??

[Mpbromeo]

Hi, just decided to do some research to find out why the palms of my hand itch and gets red when I hold cold drinks. You see I live in the Caribbean, no cold weather here but I notice a reaction to cold things. I did the ice cube test - could not keep the cube on my hand for four minutes ... I started to react after one minute or so. Thank you so much for your help ... I am glad I know what's wrong with me.

[jessicalaca]

Wow, that's interesting.  Thank you!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to cold urticaria. 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.
Diagnosis can be made by an ice-cube test. Place an ice cube on your forearm for 4 minutes and observe the area for 10 minutes afterwards. If you have cold urticaria, the area will become itchy and then swell approximately 2 minutes after removing the ice cube.

Treatment is avoiding exposure to cold stimuli, including swimming or bathing in cold water. You can take antihistaminics like zyrtec or tegamet. You should enroll with Medic Alert and always carry Epi pen (injectable adrenaline) along with you.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.