Itchy Hands

[printer2009]

What causes hands to itch when in contact with cold water, cold weather?

[lippy21]

Thanks for the diagnosis, but what causes it?

[Freedom170]

I have similar symptoms.  It started when washing vegetables in cold water, my hands get all red, and have a burning itching sensation.  Now, when I go outside in cold weather, any exposed skin gets red and itchy.  I just came in from a bike ride in 35 degree weather, and my thighs are very itchy (and I did have leggings under nylon pants).  However, I have never noticed any swelling or welts.  Would my case still be called cold urticaria?

[Skicat62]

I have it on my palms. Severe itching afer cold water. No welts. Help! Its very new to me.

[coldbumps]

I just turned 48 and started getting symptoms of cold urticaria.  One day I went snowshoeing and I was fine, the next day I was on top of a mountain looking around in a t-shirt and it was kinda cold.  Got in the car and started itching all over my arms and noticed whelps all over them.  Now every time  I encounter the cold in any form, cold beverage in my hand or weather outside I get the symptoms.  Is there any chance this will go away one day as fast as I got it or will I have this from now on?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This condition is called 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.If  diagnosed to be having cold urticaria,you should enroll with Medic Alert and always carry Epi pen (injectable adrenaline) along with you.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.