It can cause people to flare up in hives, and need an EpiPen.
You may be allergic to peanuts, soaps, shellfish and the neighbor’s dog, but how about the weather?
According to online sources, about 1 in 100,000 people is actually allergic to cold temperatures. It’s a condition called ‘cold urticaria’. Doctors aren’t sure why some people suffer from it but it’s a fact that you’re more likely to have it if you’re a young adult or you have another underlying health condition.
What happens when it strikes? When cold urticaria attacks, your body releases histamines and other chemicals that can cause your skin to go red and feel itchy. In extreme cases, the whole body reacts. It can cause your heart to race, make you faint and even cause you to go into shock.
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As with other allergic reactions, this one can cause your tongue and throat to swell up, making it difficult for you to breathe.
According to the Mayo Clinic each episode can last for about two hours. And your reaction can actually get worse as your skin warms up.
What’s the worst trigger? For some people, it’s simply coming into contact with cold water. Even in a cold glass of iced tea could do it.
Doctors advise that you take medication as prescribed and administer an antihistamine when a flare up hits, if you ever get one. If it’s severe, seek out a medical professional. For more on cold urticaria, click here.
