Urticaria: therapy and symptoms of the cold disease

Although it is not a classic allergy, the symptoms are similar. Some people react to the cold by developing itchy, reddened skin and sometimes even wheals. These people suffer from urticaria, the so-called cold allergy or cold illness. Watch the video to find out what urticaria therapy can look like and what the symptoms are.

Idee für mich
via Anna-Lisa
10/25/2019, 09:59
Allergische Hautreaktion auf Arm© iStock/tinglee1631
Contact with cold can cause allergic reactions

Triggers and symptoms of urticaria

Contact with cold, e.g. cold air or cold water, is the trigger for allergic symptoms in some people. Cold urticaria is relatively widespread at around 15%, and is twice as common in women as in men. Symptoms include changes to the skin and/or mucous membranes. These are often accompanied by wheals of varying size and arrangement, frequently accompanied by itching and reddening of the skin. The temperature at which the symptoms are triggered depends on the individual. The threshold temperature can be up to 26 degrees.

In exceptional cases, cold urticaria can even become dangerous. It is therefore not advisable for urticaria sufferers to suddenly jump into cold water. This causes the body to release so much histamine that it can lead to anaphylactic shock with cardiovascular arrest.

What does urticaria therapy look like?

There is currently no promising long-term treatment for urticaria. In acute cases, it is possible to treat the symptoms with antibiotics, an anti-histamine or an ointment. Those affected should always consult a doctor and try to avoid the cold as much as possible.