cold urticaria - Allergies Message Board

12-29-2001, 08:50 AM

Has anybody here ever heard of being allergic to COLD??? I am experiencing hives every time I go outside into the cold weather. Living in Minnesota, it's tough to avoid! Any part of my body that gets cold ends up loaded with painful, itchy hives. I have a doctor's appt soon, but would love to hear from others with this problem. Thanks!

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Mima · 01-06-2002, 02:52 PM

I feel for you. I have had this problem for 6 years. After more test it turn out to be cryoglobunemia An abnormal protien in the blood that causes the blood to thicken or gel when exposed to cold. I break out in hives, swell up, and feel like my skin is on fire, It also causes your joints and muscles to hurt. My problem is I can't find a Dr. that knows how to treat it. so good luck to you and maybe we can find some help for this wierd problem.

karenortwein · 01-07-2002, 01:56 AM

Yes, I get hives that itch like crazy when my skin gets exposed to cold. I also get hives and itch like crazy when my flesh is vibrated--like using any kind of sander, machinery that vibrates, when I run and my skin jiggles etc. I am now 45 and each year that passes it gets worse. I take antihistimines before any of the above or I am in agony. Sometimes just barely itching a small spot causes hives to get all over me. This is a really bad case of hisimines over-reacting.

01-07-2002, 04:34 PM

Thanks for the input. I am seeing my doctor in February for a complete checkup, but wonder if I should get in sooner to have this checked out. For now I just bundle up like crazy even if I'm just running out to the garage for something. It's nice to know that others suffer the same thing- it sounded so strange!

MissContent · 02-04-2002, 12:15 PM

Carol I definately can relate but in a more opposite way. I have hereditary urticaria angioedema. I live in Florida and when the weather changes to very humid or hot I suffer the most. I know that in our winter months when it gets colder quickly I suffer as well, but nothing like with the heat.

I am on medication, have been for years for this. It definately is hard to deal with, and more so because often people don't understand.

You can be assured Carol I do! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for your doctor appointment. I have been blessed with an absolutely wonderful specialist as well as an understanding primary care doctor who say's she would rather have me see the specialist and not mess with this. I am so thankful and hope the same works out for you as well.

Blessings!