Did you know that there is such a thing as cold urticaria or, in layman’s terms, ‘allergy to cold’? Yes! One can actually have allergy to cold – and it is actually more common than you think.
In fact, a lot of people are suffering from this condition but have no idea that they actually have cold urticaria. That’s because symptoms could vary across patients; many also don’t realize they have this condition because they had gotten used to the mild symptoms they have been experiencing in the past.
Netizen Asne Marohombsar shares more information about cold urticaria, warning people that it can actually be dangerous! Just like any other kind of allergy, cold urticaria can cause severe symptoms, like breathing difficulties due to swelling of the tongue and throat as well as anaphylaxis that could lead to fainting or worse.
These symptoms could be more dangerous when the affected person is alone and could not find help or is not discovered immediately.
It is also dangerous for a person with cold urticaria to swim in cold water as this could lead to drowning.
What’s rather alarming is that like some allergies, cold urticaria can actually be acquired! The acquired form has been reported more often between ages 18 and 25 but has also been observed in someone as young as 5 years old!
More common signs of cold urticaria are the following:
Most symptoms occur when the person is exposed to sudden cold temperatures but could also appear even with a gradual exposure.
Thankfully, most people suffering from this condition actually experience just the mild symptoms. Still, it helps to be aware that you have cold urticaria so that you can take the necessary steps to avoid dangerous situations. This could mean not bathing in cold water (especially in deep water bodies) or going to cold places (like countries that have snowy winters).
Marohombsar half-joked that she won’t be able to visit South Korea despite being a Kpop fan because the cold climate could be dangerous to her! Ouch.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
In fact, a lot of people are suffering from this condition but have no idea that they actually have cold urticaria. That’s because symptoms could vary across patients; many also don’t realize they have this condition because they had gotten used to the mild symptoms they have been experiencing in the past.
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| Photo credit: Asne Marohombsar / Facebook |
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| Photo credit: Asne Marohombsar / Facebook |
These symptoms could be more dangerous when the affected person is alone and could not find help or is not discovered immediately.
It is also dangerous for a person with cold urticaria to swim in cold water as this could lead to drowning.
What’s rather alarming is that like some allergies, cold urticaria can actually be acquired! The acquired form has been reported more often between ages 18 and 25 but has also been observed in someone as young as 5 years old!
 |
| Photo credit: Asne Marohombsar / Facebook |
More common signs of cold urticaria are the following:
- Hives or reddish, itchy welts on skin exposed to cold
- Swelling on parts exposed to cold, such as swelling of lips after consuming cold food or drinks and hands swelling after holding cold objects
Most symptoms occur when the person is exposed to sudden cold temperatures but could also appear even with a gradual exposure.
Thankfully, most people suffering from this condition actually experience just the mild symptoms. Still, it helps to be aware that you have cold urticaria so that you can take the necessary steps to avoid dangerous situations. This could mean not bathing in cold water (especially in deep water bodies) or going to cold places (like countries that have snowy winters).
 |
| Photo credit: Asne Marohombsar / Facebook |
Marohombsar half-joked that she won’t be able to visit South Korea despite being a Kpop fan because the cold climate could be dangerous to her! Ouch.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
