No kidding, this is a real allergy also known as cold hives or urticaria. The people who suffer from this allergy have a sudden reaction when they go out into the cold weather. When their skin is exposed to cold temperatures, histamine and other chemicals are released into the skin. Similar to other allergic reactions, the sufferers experience redness of the skin, itching, swelling, and hives. The symptoms frequently worsen as the skin is being warmed again. Honestly, if I had an adopted child tell me that the cold weather was making him sick, I probably would have laughed at him before I read this. I regret my lack of sympathy, however it just seems so implausible to me after residing in the north for all but three years of my life.

The people affected seem to have skin cells containing histamine that are overly sensitive. The suggested course of action for sufferers is avoiding exposure to cold air as well as cold water. For those of us dwelling up here in the north, avoidance seems impossible. Submersion in cold water as when swimming can result in fainting, shock, even death for sufferers of urticaria and is the most common cause of a severe whole-body reaction. Therefore, joining a polar bear club is out as well as competing to be the first person in the lake each year. Growing up as a lake kid, we sometimes tried to go all in, in February.

Treatment as with other allergies may include taking antihistamines before exposure to cold. Another treatment of cold urticaria that may be especially useful is Cyproheptadine (Periactin). There is an inherited condition called familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome that may rarely be the cause of cold urticaria.

Urticaria also known as hives, are batches of red or white, itchy, raised wheals or welts that may vary in size and can appear and disappear. In a person is suffering from the familial form the symptoms may also be accompanied by fever, chills, joint pain, and stiffness.


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