If the skin changes after contact with cold, it may be cold urticaria.
What is cold urticaria?
Cold urticaria is a special form of hives in which those affected react to contact with cold and skin changes, specifically, very itchy hives. Cold urticaria is an allergy-like reaction triggered by the release of histamine.
Who is particularly affected?
Women are particularly often affected by cold urticaria - twice as often as men. The symptoms usually start at a young age, last for a certain period and can then disappear on their own. As spontaneously as a cold allergy comes on, it can also disappear again just as quickly.
What are the triggers?
Cold urticaria is triggered by exposure to cold. For example, direct contact with ice, eating cold food, rapid changes in temperature or jumping into cold water are considered possible triggers for cold urticaria.
What symptoms occur?
Classic cold urticaria primarily causes hives on the skin that are associated with itching and swelling. However, there are also more severe forms of cold urticaria that cause circulatory problems and, in the worst case, even allergic shock. This is also the greatest danger of this disease.
How is the diagnosis made?
To make a diagnosis, cool packs of different temperatures are usually placed on the skin. If the body reacts with hives when it comes into contact with the cold, it is cold urticaria.
What treatment options are available?
Antiallergic medications, especially antihistamines, are primarily used to treat existing cold urticaria. There is also the option of so-called hardening therapy, in which the skin is gradually accustomed to the cold. The patient is repeatedly exposed to cold in the form of cool packs that become increasingly colder and colder. Like hypersensitization, the therapy should only be carried out under medical supervision due to the risk of possible allergic reactions.
How can those affected protect themselves?
It is clear: Those affected must first and foremost protect themselves from the cold as best they can and, for example, avoid jumping into the cold lake in summer.
What should be considered when it comes to cosmetic care or treatments?
Those affected should also pay attention to cosmetic or aesthetic treatments. Make sure that these are not associated with any kind of cold exposure. For example, cool packs should not be applied after injections. Furthermore, cold urticaria is probably the only disease for which cryo-lipolysis should not be performed.
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