Dermatology Community
allergic to cold
About This Community:

This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.

Font Size:
A
A
A
Background:
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank Blank

allergic to cold

Hi there everyone. I have become alleric to the cold? I break out in hives now when I go outside on my upperlegs and around stomach area. They can become very itchy and intense. The family do don't have a clue. Ido have Hep C and have been diagnosed with Monoclonal Gammopathy. Do you think that this might be possibly the reason or my blood vessels constricting. It is scary, started last winter. Has anyone heard of this? Thanks   Carmen
Related Discussions
2 Comments Post a Comment
Blank
Avatar_dr_f_tn
Hello,
Cold urticaria is a chronic, reactive skin disorder. The population most affected is young adults age 18 to 25 years Severe reactions can be seen with exposure to cold water. Swimming in cold water is the most common cause of a severe reaction. This can cause a massive release of histamine resulting in low blood pressure, fainting, shock, and even death. This allergic response can take several forms, from rashes to wheezing, hives, swelling and redness.

Cold urticaria is diagnosed by holding an ice cube against the skin of the forearm for 1 to 5 minutes. A distinct hive should develop if a patient has cold urticaria.

Patients with cold urticaria should learn to protect themselves from a rapid drop in body temperature.Antihistaminics like Claritin and zyrtec can also be taken. The antihistamine cyproheptadine (Periactin) has been found to be a useful treatment also.

Sometimes cold urticaria is a symptom of another problem, such as cryofibrinogenemia, cryoglobulinemia, or syphilis. There is growing evidence that chronic hepatitis-C infection can result in immune dysregulation and expansion of autoimmune B cells that produce cryoglobulins. This can result in acquired cold urticaria and cryoglobulinemia.

In my opinion, a combined approach of a hepatologist and allergist will help in tackling the problem.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.

Blank
Avatar_m_tn
I have always broken out on my hands when they got cold. If I went jogging my legs would itch like crazy, even brisk walking. Last year my face broke out in welts all over and also my torso. Although my face didnt seem itchy, the welts on my torso were. What could this condition be. I'm now 45. I have heart palpitations and my mormal bllod pressure is 97/65. Please help.
Blank
Post a Comment
To
Go
Blank
Food Diary Tracker
What are you eating?
Start Tracking Now
MedHelp Health Answers
Blank
My Diet Diary
The ideal weight loss app
Download Now
Top Dermatology Answerers
995833_tn?1336663431
Blank
maatson
Other
3149845_tn?1347024184
Blank
Life360
fort lauderdale, FL
Avatar_f_tn
Blank
CassCore
Avatar_f_tn
Blank
jemma116
United Kingdom
209987_tn?1334790318
Blank
tschock
AB
757137_tn?1347200053
Blank
allmymarbles
NJ
RSS Expert Activity
1741471_tn?1349564002
Blank
Parkinson Awareness Month: Parkinso... Blank
May 10 by Michael Gonzalez-WallaceBlank
233488_tn?1310696703
Blank
NEW STUDIES ON PREVENTING PROGRESSI...
May 08 by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAOBlank
2126606_tn?1346348724
Blank
Heroin Use in the U.S.
May 08 by Clare Waismann Kavin, Blank