What Are the Symptoms of Cold Urticaria?

Urticaria is a common skin disorder, most frequently affecting infants, young children, and individuals with allergies. Different types of urticaria present with distinct symptoms and underlying causes. What, then, are the symptoms of cold urticaria?

Symptoms of Cold Urticaria

Cold urticaria manifests with the following symptoms:
1. Itching, edema, and wheals (hives) develop at the site of contact with cold water or other cold substances; these typically resolve within approximately 30 minutes to one hour.
2. Lesions predominantly occur on exposed areas such as the face and hands; in severe cases, other body regions—including mucosal surfaces of the mouth, tongue, and pharynx—may also be involved.
3. It is more commonly observed in young women.
4. Headache is frequently reported; severe cases may present with hypotension, syncope, and—in extreme instances—shock or even death, particularly during cold-water swimming or cold showers.
5. In patients with cold urticaria, placing an ice cube directly on the skin for two minutes typically induces a characteristic wheal at the application site.

Cold urticaria has two main subtypes. Familial cold urticaria typically begins shortly after birth and persists throughout life. In addition to wheals, it may be accompanied by chills, fever, headache, and arthralgia; leukocytosis is a hallmark laboratory finding. Another subtype—also termed familial cold urticaria—is more commonly seen in infants and young children; cutaneous eruptions appear upon exposure to cold stimuli.

Maintain regular daily routines and a balanced diet. During cold weather, dress warmly and engage in appropriate physical exercise to enhance overall health and resilience. We hope this information proves helpful to you.