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A miracle in the cold wind: What is cold urticaria and why is it so elusive?
Cold urticaria is a rare skin condition in which red hives form on the skin when the body is exposed to cold. These wheals appear after exposure to cold air, water, or objects and are often accompanied by mild itching and swelling. For many patients, this disease not only affects the body, but also causes great trouble and stress in daily life.
People with cold urticaria usually experience severe itching and discomfort after exposure to cold.
Cold urticaria can be divided into several types, including primary cold contact urticaria, secondary cold contact urticaria, reflex cold urticaria, and familial cold urticaria. Of these types, primary cold-contact urticaria is the most common, and people usually develop symptoms after exposure to cold weather, swimming, or contact with ice. Secondary cold contact urticaria is relatively rare and is mostly caused by serum abnormalities.
In some rare cases, familial cold urticaria can cause symptoms such as fever and joint pain to become more severe when people are exposed to cold. According to research, the pathogenesis of this disease is related to gene mutation, so the challenges faced by patients are not only skin discomfort, but also a decline in quality of life.
78% of patients reported that the disease affected their work, school and social activities.
Symptoms and Effects
The main symptom of cold urticaria is a wheal that appears immediately or delayed after exposure to cold stimulation. These rashes may last from a few minutes to several days, depending on the individual. Generally speaking, wheals vary in size and often appear on the skin around the contact area.
Wheals cause intense itching because the capillaries in the skin dilate in response to cold, causing fluid to flow into the surrounding tissue. This itching sensation is not only uncomfortable, but may also cause trouble in daily life and hinder people's normal social interaction and work.
Causes of Cold Urticaria
The main cause of cold urticaria is the body's excessive immune response to cold stimulation. In many cases, this reaction is spontaneous, meaning that no specific cause can be identified. However, there are some rare gene mutations that can cause cold urticaria attacks. Studies have shown that gene mutations associated with immune activation may make some patients more susceptible to such symptoms.
This mutation is associated with the activation of immune cells, suggesting that cold urticaria may be caused by a complex immune response.
Diagnostic Methods
The diagnosis of cold urticaria is usually made by an allergist. The common diagnostic method is the cold test, which involves placing a piece of ice on the skin for a few minutes. If a red rash appears, it is a positive reaction. Although this method can indicate the presence of an allergic reaction, it does not provide information such as the specific temperature and time of the stimulus, which is crucial in determining the severity of the disease.
Treatment and management
Currently, the best treatment for cold urticaria is still avoiding exposure to cold. Patients need to try to avoid situations that may trigger a reaction, such as cold weather, cold winds, and cold foods. In addition, the use of antihistamines can relieve symptoms and the dosage can be adjusted appropriately according to the situation. In case of more severe allergic reactions, patients should have injectable epinephrine on hand in case they are needed.
The key to managing cold urticaria is identifying triggers early.
Although current treatment options for cold urticaria are still limited, it is very important for patients to manage their condition themselves and fully understand their allergens. Can people find a management strategy that suits them to get out of this fairytale-like cold wind wonderland?
