Cold urticaria is an allergic condition that affects the skin. Symptoms usually start in early adulthood. The most common symptom is a red, itchy rash that appears on the skin when it is exposed to the cold (e.g. cold weather or cold water). This reaction usually occurs within 5-10 minutes after exposure and can last for 1-2 hours. The exact cause of cold urticaria is unknown. In some cases, it may be associated with an infection, insect bite, or blood cancer. It is diagnosed based on the symptoms and confirmed through tests that look for a specific reaction to cold. Treatment may consist of avoiding exposures that may trigger a reaction and medications that prevent allergic reactions like antihistamines.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Red, itchy rash after exposure to cold
• Swelling in the area exposed to cold
• Headache
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Cold urticaria usually affects young adults, but can appear at any age. Females are more likely to have it than males. Symptoms usually appear within 5-10 minutes of being exposed to cold and last 1-2 hours. A few people have very severe reactions that can lead to trouble breathing, shock, or passing out. In some people, cold urticaria goes away after several years.

The cause of most cases of cold urticaria is unknown. In some cases, cold urticaria is triggered by an infectious disease, an insect bite, certain medications, or blood cancers.

Cold urticaria is not thought to be inherited. Most cases occur sporadically in people with no family history of the condition.

Specialists who may be involved in the care of someone with cold urticaria include:

• Allergist
• Immunologist

Cold urticaria is rare and the exact number of people that have it is unknown. The incidence in central Europe is thought to be 0.05%.