A common symptom could be an indicator of a serious health condition.
Have you ever felt itchy when stepping out into the cold? This peculiar sensation doesn’t affect everyone, but some people experience it every time they venture outdoors during winter. You might have noticed it on your legs if you’re not wearing thick trousers to ward off the chill, but it can occur on any part of the body.
According to one UK-based GP, this could be a sign of a health condition that, in rare instances, could be life-threatening. Dr Sermed Mezher explained that if you feel like you’ve “walked through a field of nettles” after being exposed to the cold, you may have cold-induced urticaria. He pointed out that scientists are still unsure why some people develop this condition and others don’t, but its effects can range from “an annoyance all the way up to a life-threatening reaction”.
What is cold-induced urticaria?
The NHS defines urticaria as another term for hives. The primary symptom of hives is a rash that can be raised or itchy, and its appearance can alter within 24 hours.
According to Dr Mezher, cold-induced urticaria causes hives from exposure to conditions such as cold water and wind, operating similarly to an allergy. He explained: “The process that mediates this is exactly the same as allergies, where you have a trigger that causes cells in your skin called mast cells to come to the area and start releasing this chemical called histamine. This increases blood flow to the area and causes swelling and these hives.”
How to test for cold-induced urticaria?
Regarding testing for the condition, Dr Mezher suggested that the “ice cube test” is a simple approach that can be conducted in a “controlled environment”. It involves placing a cup of ice cubes against the skin to observe any reaction to the temperature change.
He also warned that reactions could be severe, even leading to “full-blown anaphylaxis”, which swells the throat and can be life-threatening like an allergy.
Treatments for cold-induced urticaria
For those dealing with cold-induced urticaria, Dr Mezher advised avoiding the cold when possible, taking antihistamines routinely, and carrying an EpiPen for emergency situations if their condition is particularly severe.
According to the NHS Inform website, most cases of hives don’t require treatment and improve within a few days. However, if your rash is more severe, a GP may prescribe steroid tablets, antihistamines, or menthol creams to alleviate itchiness.
When to see a GP
You should see a GP if:
- the symptoms don’t improve after 2 days
- you’re worried about your child’s hives
- the rash is spreading
- the symptoms are severe
- hives keep coming back (you may be allergic to something)
- you also have a high temperature and feel unwell
- you also have swelling under your skin (this might be angioedema)
- the symptoms cause distress
- the symptoms disrupt daily activities
When to call 999
In some cases, the allergic reaction can be life-threatening. You should phone 999 or go to A&E if you:
- have swelling in your mouth, eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, feet or hands
- are wheezing
- feel lightheaded or faint
- get tightness in your chest or throat
- have trouble breathing or talking
- have abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
For more information about hives, visit the NHS website.