Cold urticaria: what you should know

Symptoms may start soon after chilled air, cold water, an ice pack, or a cold object touches the skin. The reaction can affect exposed areas such as the hands, face, and arms, or appear where clothing presses against cooled skin. Some people also develop deeper swelling, called angioedema. A clinician can assess the pattern and consider other causes of a rash.

Keep the skin comfortably warm and avoid sudden cold exposure until you have medical advice. Do not test a suspected reaction with a large area of ice or cold water. Record the trigger, timing, body areas involved, and any swelling. A clinician may discuss an oral antihistamine treatment and a prevention plan suited to your health and medicines.

Get emergency help immediately for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, dizziness, faintness, confusion, or a rapidly spreading reaction after cold exposure. These symptoms can occur with a severe allergic-type response. Seek prompt medical assessment for repeated episodes, facial swelling, or reactions involving cold-water swimming.

Ask whether your pattern fits cold urticaria, which triggers to avoid, whether your medicines affect treatment choices, and what emergency plan to follow if swelling or breathing symptoms occur.