allergic to cold

[carmen309]

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

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

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.