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The worrying cold reaction: How to avoid this weird allergic reaction?
Cold urticaria, as the name suggests, is a disease in which large red lumps (hives) form when the skin comes into contact with cold stimulation. The condition can cause itching of the skin, often with itching and swelling of the hands and feet. For confirmed patients, this reaction can range from about 7 mm in diameter to 27 mm or larger, which is often distressing.
Cold urticaria can be inherited or acquired, which are called familial cold urticaria and primary cold urticaria respectively.
Cold urticaria can be divided into many types, including primary cold contact urticaria, secondary cold contact urticaria, reflex cold urticaria and familial cold urticaria. Generally speaking, acquired cold urticaria is most common between the ages of 18 and 25, and is the most common cause of potentially life-threatening, swelling of tissues caused by contact with cold food or drink ( throat edema), risk of drowning after swimming in cold water, and even anaphylactic shock.
Types of Cold Urticaria1. Primary cold contact urticaria: It is characterized by hives on the skin due to contact with cold objects, which is particularly common on cold rainy days or in the wind.
2. Secondary cold contact urticaria: This type is due to plasma abnormalities and may be associated with other symptoms such as Raynaud's phenomenon or purpura.
3. Reflex cold urticaria: A general drop in body temperature can cause systemic urticaria.
4. Familial cold urticaria: This is a hereditary disease characterized by symptoms such as rash after exposure to cold environments, and it affects a wide range of people.
Symptoms and Signs
When exposed to cold, hives form on the patient's skin, usually accompanied by significant itching. Hives form due to dilation of capillaries, which causes fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues. These hives may appear immediately after exposure or may be delayed. In addition to the visible lump, some patients experience a burning sensation. If hives develop within three minutes of exposure, the risk of a more severe reaction is higher.
An overreaction of the histamine in the tissues when the body is exposed to cold is a common cause of hives.
Causes
Cold urticaria is mostly caused by an allergic reaction of the body to cold stimuli, such as drastic temperature drops, cold air, and cold water. While the cause of most cases of hives is unknown, scientists have linked certain genetic mutations that play a key role in immune function to the condition.
Diagnosis
It is usually diagnosed by an allergist using a cold test. The cold test usually involves placing an ice cube in a plastic bag and applying it to the forearm for about 3 to 4 minutes. The appearance and shape of the hives can usually determine whether the condition is present.
Management and treatment
The most effective management method is to avoid cold stimulation and use medication to control reactions and symptoms. If cold exposure cannot be avoided, the following measures should be considered:
Avoid trigger points
Anything that could lower skin temperature could trigger a reaction, especially in cold weather, so be extra cautious. Activities such as eating cold food, swimming, and exposure to cold winds require special attention. Avoiding these risks can reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
Medication
Second-generation H1 antihistamines are preferred to help relieve symptoms. If standard doses are not effective, a step-up to four times the dose may be considered. Experts also suggest that certain monoclonal antibodies or immunomodulators may be used in patients who fail to respond to conventional treatments.
In an emergency, patients may need to carry injectable epinephrine to prevent severe allergic reactions.
When facing cold urticaria, we should not only understand its symptoms and preventive measures, but also think about how to better protect ourselves in daily life and avoid this weird allergic reaction?
