Cold allergy: what it looks like, symptoms, and treatment

What is a cold allergy?

A "cold allergy" refers to irritation, dry skin, cracks, itching, redness, and swelling on exposed areas of the body (especially the face and hands) that occurs with the onset of cold, windy weather. When such symptoms occur, especially in children, the common name "chickenpox" is often used.

Most often, such cold irritation of the skin occurs in childhood due to the imperfection and immaturity of its barrier, as well as playing with snow, including in easily wet gloves, which further irritate and cool the skin.

At an older age, the appearance of such cold dermatitis and skin damage occurs in people with thin, dry, sensitive skin. Insufficient production of protective sebum and thinning of the skin can be caused by internal factors (genetic factors, aging, vitamin deficiency, unbalanced diet, chronic stress) or external factors (dry skin due to cold and wind, dry indoor air (heating season), and lack of adequate protection of exposed skin.

If such inflamed and damaged skin is not cared for, then in addition to dryness and redness, microcracks can develop, which can become a source of infection.

Therefore, to promptly restore and protect the skin, and increase its resistance to external factors, with the onset of cold weather, 20-30 minutes before going outside, it is necessary to apply specialized products to exposed areas of the body. These products will not only effectively soften the skin and strengthen its barrier, but also eliminate its hypersensitivity in the form of itching. For example, the Allersain LIBREDERM collection of products is specifically designed to meet the needs of sensitive skin prone to allergies. Furthermore, you should reconsider your approach to cleansing, choosing the most gentle and soothing products that don't disrupt the already fragile lipid barrier.

Causes

True cold allergy is quite rare. Researchers estimate the incidence at 0.05%, with higher rates observed in countries with cold climates. Cold urticaria (this is what an allergy to cold is called) is more common in women, can occur at any age, but is more typical for young people.

Cold urticaria is often divided into:

- hereditary (begins in early childhood and persists throughout life),

- idiopathic (occurring without any known cause),

- secondary, occurring as a result of some underlying factors, such as viral and bacterial infections, insect bites, taking certain medications or foods, autoimmune diseases.

Potential causes:

• Infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic)
• Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroiditis, etc.)
• Certain medications (antibiotics, oral contraceptives, etc.)
• Food (high-protein foods)
• Insect bites

However, the vast majority of cases of cold allergy are idiopathic.

Cold allergy manifests itself in the form of blister-like rashes that usually appear a few minutes after exposure to cold and are often limited to exposed areas of the skin, although prolonged exposure to cold can cause a more extensive and severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis, angioedema, gastrointestinal or cardiovascular disorders). This is caused by the activation of mast cells and the subsequent release of histamine and other inflammatory substances. Why this happens remains unknown.

Common triggers of cold allergy include contact with cold objects or surfaces, cold water (for example, swimming or taking a cold shower), low ambient temperatures (cold season, air conditioning), wind, and even consumption of cold foods (ice cream and drinks). Although cold allergy symptoms often worsen in winter, a reliable connection with seasonal changes is not always possible.

Symptoms and treatment

One of the most dangerous manifestations of this type of urticaria is swelling of the larynx, which can occur after consuming cold drinks or foods. A high risk of cold urticaria can be due to contact of a large area of ​​skin with cold. For example, cases of cold allergies have been reported after swimming in the open sea.

In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding and treating cold allergies. However, many questions related to the specifics of their occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment remain unanswered.

A special cold test is used to diagnose cold allergies. This involves applying an ice cube to the skin on the forearm for 5 minutes. The test is considered positive if, upon warming (10 minutes after stopping cooling), noticeable and visible blisters or reddening of the skin appear.

The main method of treating cold allergies is prevention in the form of avoiding exposure to low temperatures, taking antihistamines and protecting the skin, including with the help of skin care cosmetics.

If these rules are followed, remission of cold allergy or a decrease in the severity of its manifestations occurs in 50% of patients within 5-6 years, although, in some cases, it may take longer.

In what cases should you be careful(practical recommendations):

Cold weather or ambient temperature environment. Exposure to cold or cool air can quickly cause a reaction. Caution should also be taken when walking near open freezers in grocery stores. 

Air conditioning. Entering a cool room on a summer day can cause an allergic reaction.

Contact with cool/cold surfaces. May cause blistering on areas that came into contact with cool surfaces.

Consuming cold drinks, ice cream. Swelling of the lips, mouth, and throat may occur.

Swimming. Swimming in cold water can be especially dangerous, as a rapid heartbeat combined with an allergy can lead to a sharp drop in blood pressure, shock, and drowning.

Excessive sweating.Urticaria can occur on a warm day or when leaving a sauna when sweat is already on the skin. When it evaporates quickly (for example, in a windy environment), an allergic reaction is triggered, since it is provoked by a change in skin surface temperature, not body temperature.
If exposure to cold cannot be avoided. Take an antihistamine beforehand to reduce the intensity of the allergy or prevent it.