Can You Be Allergic to the Cold

It’s possible to be allergic to many different types of things, including cold temperatures.
The medical term for hives that form on the skin when it’s exposed to the cold is cold urticaria (CU). A severe acute allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, is possible if you have CU.
You may be allergic to the cold if you notice changes to your skin or other symptoms after exposure to frigid temperatures. This condition may appear suddenly and resolve itself over time.
There are ways to manage the condition. You may even be able to prevent symptoms from occurring.
Read on to learn more about cold urticaria.

What are the symptoms?
Non-life-threatening but serious symptoms of cold urticaria can include:
• hives, which are red, itchy, raised welts at the site of cold exposure
• a burning sensation on the affected skin as your body warms
• swelling at the site of exposure
• fever
• headache
• joint pain
• fatigue
• anxiety

Severe symptoms of a cold urticaria that require immediate medical attention may include:
• anaphylaxis, which is a severe acute allergic reaction
• breathing problems, like wheezing
• swelling of your tongue and throat
• heart palpitations
• a drop in blood pressure
• fainting
• shock

The appearance of CU symptoms can vary. You may find that symptoms occur almost immediately (2 to 5 minutes) after exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms may disappear in 1 to 2 hours.
Other times, the reaction may begin long after cold exposure, within hours or a couple of days, and could take up to 2 days to go away. Your condition may be inherited if you experience delayed CU symptoms.
What causes cold urticaria?

CU can occur for many reasons, including:
• going outside in frigid weather
• swimming or bathing in cold water
• entering a space that’s air-conditioned or kept at cool temperatures, like a walk-in freezer

In general, the temperature you’re exposed to has to be less than 39°F (4°C) to develop symptoms.
If you have cold urticaria, exposure to these cold temperatures causes your body to release histamines, which triggers symptoms.
Who’s at risk?
CU most often develops in young adults.
About half of people who have the condition, as time goes on, will either have significant symptom improvement or not experience any more CU within 6 years.

CU can be inherited from a family member. It can also occur in people with no family history. Symptoms may also be triggered by a specific illness, such as:
• an autoimmune condition
• a viral infection causing mononucleosis
• chicken pox
• viral hepatitis
• other blood conditions
Most often, symptoms may appear seemingly out of nowhere, with no obvious underlying trigger other than exposure to the cold.