The Dangers of Untreated Cold Urticaria: Complete Guide 2024

By Vanessa Richards

January 10, 2024   •   Fact checked by Dumb Little Man

cold urticaria

Cold urticaria is a condition that causes the body to react abnormally to cold weather or cold objects. 

If you’ve ever experienced an unexplained rash after being exposed to cold temperature, that could be cold urticaria.

YES! You heard that right.

The symptoms can range from a mild rash to hives and even anaphylaxis in some cases. While there is no cure for cold urticaria, there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms.

So, how can you treat cold-induced urticaria? Read on for a breakdown of the condition and how to treat it. Let’s discuss in detail!

What is Cold Urticaria?

COLD URTICARIA
Photo: Canva

Cold Urticaria is a condition where the skin breaks out in hives or welts when it is exposed to cold temperatures. The welts can occur on any part of the body, but are most commonly seen on the face, lips, ears, hands, and feet.

In some cases, the welts may only be a few millimeters in size. In other cases, they can be much larger and may even coalesce to form large areas of involvement. Cold Urticaria can occur either as an isolated event or as part of a more generalized condition known as Chronic Urticaria.

Cold Urticaria Symptoms

When it comes to symptoms of cold urticaria, it results in skin reaction or rare disorders.

  • Cold hives or welts on the skin that turn white or pale when touched
  • Skin that feels numb, tingling, or prickling
  • A burning or stinging sensation on the skin
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Cold swelling
  • Headache
  • Burning sensation
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Flu like symptoms
  • Trouble breathing
  • A drop in blood pressure
  • Fainting

In severe cases, cold urticaria can cause shock, which can be life-threatening. If you have cold urticaria and experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Types of Cold Urticaria

The most common types of cold urticaria include:

Primary idiopathic cold urticaria

This is called idiopathic cold urticaria. In Genetic or familial cold urticaria, the side effects might begin to show 24 to 48 hours after getting set off. The side effects of this kind of urticaria generally keep going for 24 hours however may happen as long as 48 hours.

Secondary cold urticaria

Secondary cold urticaria can be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder or certain medications. It’s also more likely to cause severe reactions.

Causes of Cold Urticaria

COLD URTICARIA
Photo: Canva

The main reason for cold urticaria is idiopathic, or of obscure beginning. It can be due to familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome.

There are a few known triggers. You may set it off by bug nibbles, drugs, diseases, or malignant growth of the blood.

Other cold urticaria triggers include:

  • Intense activity
  • Stress and tension
  • Openness to coordinate daylight
  • Fever
  • Skin stretching
  • Openness to certain synthetic substances
  • Openness to allergens like dust, creature fur, and a few foods sources
  • Doing activities that might put a ton of squeeze on your skin reaction

>> Related Article: 9 Best Hair, Skin, and Nails Vitamins • Top Product Reviews of 2024

Diagnosing Cold Urticaria

There are a few ways to diagnose cold urticaria. One way is to have a skin test done by a doctor. A small area of skin is exposed to a cold stimulus, such as ice, and then monitored for reactions. It is done by placing an ice cube on your skin for almost five minutes.

Another way to diagnose cold urticaria is through a cold stimulation test, which can detect antibodies that are specific to cold urticaria.

A CST involves an ice block on the skin to check whether there will be any response. If at any chance you get a noticeable skin response, it’s a sign that you may really have cold urticaria. In some samples a rash will not show up at the site of the CST test instantly and you might need to wait for 20 to 30 minutes for a response.

Lastly, a doctor may also diagnose cold urticaria based on the symptoms that a person experiences.

Treatment of Cold Urticaria

There are a few different ways that people with cold urticaria can treat their condition. Some people may need to take medication, while others may just need to make lifestyle changes. You should also monitor body temperature to avoid triggers.

Natural Remedies

There are a few natural remedies that may help to relieve the symptoms of cold urticaria. These include:

  • Take a warm bath or shower before exposure to cold temperatures. This can help to increase blood flow and warmth to the skin.
  • Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing. This will help to prevent the skin from getting too cold.
  • Apply a warm compress to the affected area. This can help to reduce swelling and itching.

Medications

When it comes to choosing medications for secondary cold urticaria, there are multiple options available. Here are the medications to choose from.

Allergy medicines

For beginner’s where triggers are highly uncomfortable, allergy medicines can help. These medicines will decrease histamine amount within the body, thus lessen the causes of hives. Individuals can take them before they become presented to the cold. Using over the counter antihistamines can help with reflex cold urticaria and relieves the whole body response to cold air.

Different prescriptions

If allergy medicines are not enough to cure cold hives, somebody might take more drugs that forestall hypersensitive responses, for example, omalizumab. This is a type of monoclonal immunizer prescription.

Epinephrine

This is for people suffering from a serious reaction to cold. It is essential to take an epinephrine. This type of crisis can stop hypersensitivity.

Supplements

Some people with cold urticaria may benefit from taking supplements such as quercetin or vitamin C. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps boost the immune system.

Talk to your doctor about whether supplements may be right for you. It’s important to take them under medical supervision because they can interact with other medications you may be taking.

Digital Guide

Life-Changing Urticaria Treatment: Full Urticaria Cure By Dr Gary M.D

Cholinergic Urticaria
Product NameFormDescriptionPriceOfficial Website
Full Urticaria Cure by Dr Gary Levin

Ebook / Digital Guide

Full Urticaria Cure is one of the most comprehensive sources of information on Urticaria. It focuses on giving patients the correct nutrition to prevent cholinergic urticaria.$47.99

If you suffer from cold hives or urticaria, you know how frustrating and debilitating the condition can be. The itching, redness, and swelling can make everyday activities nearly impossible. And the constant fear of a breakout can be exhausting.

But there is hope. Dr. Gary M.D. has created a Full Urticaria Cure E-book that promises to cure your cold hives and urticaria once and for all. His Full Urticaria Cure is a comprehensive guide that details everything you need to know about this troublesome condition.

Dr. Gary’s Full Urticaria Cure ebook is more than just a simple how-to guide. It’s a complete system that includes an extensive overview of the condition, its causes, and information on the best way to treat it. The ebook also contains a step-by-step plan that will help you eliminate your cold hives and urticaria for good.

With Dr. Gary’s Full Urticaria Cure, you’ll finally be able to put your cold hives and urticaria behind you and get on with your life. 

Shop Full Urticaria Cure by Dr. Gary M.D. at the Official Website.

>> Related Article: How to Get Rid of Scars: Complete Guide 2024

Preventing Primary Acquired Cold Urticaria

  • Take endorsed or over-the-counter allergy meds prior to preventing yourself from the virus.
  • Consistently have epinephrine auto-injector on you in the event that a response happens.
  • Ensure to take all drugs prescribed by your PCP.
  • Before swimming in cold water, check the water first with your hand to make sure it won’t cause a response.

It’s very important to constantly consult your primary care physician about your condition or getting any clinical, dental, or labor methods done. 

Conclusion

Cold urticaria is a condition that can be quite troubling for those who suffer from it. While there is no one-size-fits-all cure, there are many treatments available that can help lessen the effects of cold urticaria.

If you are living with this condition, we hope that this article has given you some insight into your disease and ways to treat it.

We encourage you to speak with your doctor about which treatment plan may work best for you and to stay proactive in managing your cold urticaria symptoms.

Here’s our recommendation.

Try out the Full Urticaria Cure By Dr Gary. It is a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about cold hives and urticaria, from causes and triggers to treatments and prevention. Dr Gary M.D is a leading expert in the field, and his step-by-step approach has helped countless people who found relief from this condition.

Click here to get Full Urticaria Cure E-book at a Discounted Price.

>> Related Article: What Causes Eczema Flare-ups? 8 Possible Triggers & Treatments

Cold Urticaria FAQs

How long does cold urticaria last?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer, as the duration of ECU can vary greatly from person to person. In some cases, ECU may only last for a few months or years, while in other cases it may be a lifelong condition.

However, there are some treatments that can help to lessen the symptoms of ECU and improve quality of life. With proper management, people with ECU can lead normal, active lives. So if you’re feeling discouraged, remember that there is hope for a brighter future.

Which temperature can trigger cold exposure urticaria?

The exact temperature that triggers the condition varies from person to person, but it is typically between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the condition is more likely to occur in people who have a history of allergies or autoimmune disorders. If you think you may be at risk for cold exposure urticaria, be sure to dress warmly and avoid spending extended periods of time in cold temperatures.

Can cold urticaria lead to breathing issues?

In rare cases, people with urticaria may experience difficulty breathing, a condition known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis occurs when the body goes into shock in response to an allergen. The throat and airways swell, making it difficult to breathe.

Though cold urticaria is not necessarily indicative of anaphylaxis, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any difficulty breathing after exposure to cold temperatures.

Vanessa Richards

Vanessa is a mom of 3 lovely children and a software geek. Outside of her career as a health and wellness instructor. She enjoys writing and researching on topics such as finance, software, health and culinary.

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