Cold urticaria: an allergy that can be fatal in summer

Cold urticaria, although it may seem like a typical winter-related problem, is an allergy that can be fatal in summer. In many cases, allergy symptoms can occur when swimming in the sea, pool or river.

These activities can lead to an “anaphylactic frame,” which can cause blackouts and consequent drowning, although the risk is “rare,” he explained. morning Post General practitioner Paulo Almeida.

On the other hand, signs of a cold allergy can also appear when exposed to cold air, in the rain, or when consuming cold drinks and foods. Thus, this allergy “could affect people’s daily lives” as it could prevent those diagnosed from being exposed to colder temperatures.

But what is cold urticaria?

According to therapist Paulo Almeida, “cold urticaria is an allergy to low temperatures” that manifests itself with “skin manifestations such as the appearance of erythema and papules.”

Although the mechanisms that lead the human body to develop an allergy to cold are not yet known, it is known that “this type of urticaria may have an important hereditary factor,” Paulo Almeida said.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of cold urticaria “can be very different,” the doctor said. morning Post. However, in most cases, allergies are manifested by “mild symptoms in the form of itching and erythematous papules.” These signs appear on the area of ​​skin exposed to cold “between 10 and 30 minutes after exposure” and disappear, in most cases, “by themselves”.

How is the treatment carried out?

There is no cure for cold allergies, but the use of antihistamines can help relieve symptoms. However, doctor Paulo Almeida warns that these medications “do not prevent future episodes.”

In some cases, treatment is given to induce cold tolerance, “consisting of gradual exposure of the patient to low temperatures.” According to Dr. Paulo Almeida, they should only be performed in a hospital setting.