Cold urticaria is an allergy where hives or large red welts form on the skin after exposure to a cold stimulus. The welts are usually itchy and often the hands and feet will become itchy and swollen as well. Hives vary in size from about 7mm in diameter to as big as about 27mm diameter or larger. The disease is classified as chronic when hives appear for longer than 6 weeks; they can last for life, though their course is often unpredictable. This disorder, or perhaps two disorders with the same clinical manifestations, can be inherited. The acquired form is most likely to occur between ages 1825, although it can occur as early as 5 years old in some cases.
When the body is exposed to the cold in individuals afflicted by the condition, hives
appear…show more content… Scientists from the USA National Institutes of Health have identified a genetic mutation in three unrelated families that causes a rare immune disorder characterized by excessive and impaired immune function: immune deficiency, autoimmunity, inflammatory skin disorders and coldinduced hives.
Cold urticaria is caused by exposure to cold. Why the cold stimulus causes the activation of mast cells and subsequent release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators remains unknown. Cold urticaria may be primary or secondary to an underlying haematologic or infectious disease. Most cases are of the idiopathic type. Underlying conditions that have been associated with secondary cold urticaria include cryoglobulinemia, chronic lymphocytic, leukaemia, lymphosarcoma, chickenpox, viral hepatitis, and infectious mononucleosis. Situations in which reactions can or may occur are cold weather and or snow which leads to exposure to cold or cool air for more than a few minutes can trigger a reaction. Avoid long walks outdoors during cold weather. Be prepared to bundle up and cover exposed skin as long
