zuzu8

Hi booger-
I believe you are talking about cold urticaria.

I personally don't have it but I've heard a bit about it.
Basically urticaria is another word for HIVES. (itchy or painful raised welts or wheals on the skin)

Cold urticaria occurs in two forms. The rare form is hereditary (anyone else in your family have it?) and you get hives all over your body 9 to 18 hours after cold exposure. The more common form of cold urticaria happens quickly with the rapid onset of hives on the face, neck, or hands after exposure to cold.

Cold urticaria is common and lasts for an average of 5 to 6 years. People most affected are young adults age 18 to 25 years.

Severe reactions can be seen with exposure to cold water. Swimming in cold water is the most common cause of a severe reaction. This can cause a massive release of histamine resulting in low blood pressure, fainting, shock.


Cold urticaria is diagnosed by holding an ice cube against the skin of the forearm for 1 to 5 minutes. A distinct hive should develop if you have cold urticaria. This is different than the normal redness that would be seen in people without cold urticaria.

I would imagine your doctor has told you to protect yourself from a rapid drop in body temperature and particularly swimming in cold water.

Regular antihistamines are not generally effective. But the antihistamine cyproheptadine (Periactin) has been found to be a useful treatment. The tricyclic antidepressant doxepin has also been found to be very effective .Finally, a medication called ketotifen, which keeps mast cells from releasing histamine, has also been used with success.

There may be many other meds that work.... perhaps newer or even better ones that I haven't heard about.

Good luck....

zuzu xxx


[This message has been edited by zuzu8 (edited 07-19-2003).]