Cold Allergies: Recognize Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

When you get cold allergies, the affected skin will become reddish, and itchy.

The rainy season has arrived, changes in temperature to be cooler need to be overcome, especially for sufferers of cold allergies.

Cold allergy or cold urticaria is a skin reaction to cold that appears within minutes after exposure to cold temperatures.

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, when attacked by cold allergies, the affected skin will become reddish, and itching.

Still from the same source, people with cold allergies experience very different symptoms. Some have insignificant reactions, while others have severe reactions, ranging from low blood pressure, fainting, to shock.

Allergy Choices explained, most cases of cold allergies occur in younger adults, ages 18-25 years, but generally can occur at any age. Cold allergies are more common in women.

Symptoms of cold allergy

Signs and symptoms of cold allergies include:

• Temporary redness, itching on the affected area of ​​the skin is cold
• The reaction worsens when the skin warms
• Swelling occurs when the hand while holding a cold object
• Swelling of the lips when consuming cold foods or cold drinks

More reactions include:

• Whole body response (anaphylaxis), which can occur when cold allergies include fainting, palpitations, swelling of the limbs, and shock
• Swelling of the tongue and throat, which can make it difficult to breathe
• Cold allergy symptoms begin as soon as the skin is exposed to a sudden drop in air temperature or cold water.
• Humid and windy conditions can make flare symptoms more likely to occur. Each phase can last for around two hours.
• The worst reaction generally occurs when swimming in cold water. The effect can be a loss of consciousness to sink.

What causes cold allergies?

"For the most part, the cause of cold allergies cannot be identified," said allergy expert Demetrios Theodoropoulos, MD, DSc, MSc, FACMG, FAAP, to Allergy Associates of La Crosse.

"Most cases will improve over time. Sometimes cold allergies are caused by allergies that underlie respiratory infections, such as mycoplasma, or immune system problems. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you experience this type of itching. Sometimes cold allergies can be associated with hemoglobinuria (red or colored urine like tea). In this case, an evaluation by a specialist is needed, "he said.

Prevention of cold allergies

The following tips can help prevent recurrent cold allergies:

• Drink antihistamines before they are exposed to cold.
• Take medication that the doctor recommends according to the prescription.
• Protect your skin from changes in cold or sudden temperatures.
• If you are going to swim, dip your hands in the water first and see if you experience a skin reaction.
• Avoid cold drinks and food to prevent throat swelling.
• If your doctor prescribes epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others), store and bring it with you, to help prevent serious reactions.

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