A “cold allergy” is a reaction of the skin to the cold, which produces red, itchy patches. A relatively unknown form of urticaria, unlike its opposite, sun allergy.
The word "allergy" is, moreover, unsuitable for this type of condition, as it is not a cold allergy as such. No allergen (pollen, metal, food, etc.) is in fact responsible for triggering this urticaria, says Santé Magazine in particular.
This reaction can appear at any age and also go away at any time, unless you have an inherited form of cold urticaria, but it is rare.
Under the influence of low temperatures, the body's defense system races and redness, swelling and itching appear on the skin. This urticaria is most often localized at the point of contact with the cold. It can be caused by cold ambient air, swimming in cold water, or an icy object in contact with the skin. In the most serious (and rare) cases, the person may experience a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and develop anaphylactic shock.
THE ICE TEST
If you think you have cold urticaria, only a doctor can confirm or not the diagnosis and look for a possible cause. He will then do the ice cube test which consists, after placing an ice cube on the skin, to observe after how long the urticarial papules appear. If the urticaria is most often idiopathic, the doctor will look for a possible cause (taking certain drugs, infectious context, autoimmune diseases, cryopathies) by questioning, a clinical examination and a blood test.
WHAT TREATMENT?
Usually an antihistamine will treat the problem for several months or even years. In some cases, desensitization is possible, through progressive and localized exposure to cold, in a hospital environment.
To avoid the onset of symptoms, it is advisable to dress warmly in winter, to avoid consuming frozen drinks, to refrain from diving in a swimming pool or in a lake, and to avoid direct contact with cold objects.
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