How to recognize cold allergies. 6 symptoms to look out for

How to recognize cold allergies. 6 symptoms to look out for

If you detect it in time, you can prevent serious consequences.

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Doctor of Integrative, Preventive and Conventional Medicine, Nutriciologist

How is cold allergy expressed?

With the onset of cold temperatures, some people encounter such a condition as “cold urticaria” or “cold allergy”. This is the name given to a skin reaction (most often on the face and hands) that manifests itself a few minutes after being in the cold. It is manifested by swelling, itchy redness, and sometimes blisters.

Causes and symptoms of cold allergy

Mild symptoms (redness and swelling) include:

• urticaria (itchy blisters), appearing on areas of skin exposed to cold temperatures and worsening as the skin warms;
• swelling of the lips (in case of consumption of cold food, drinks);
• swelling of the hands after contact with cold objects.

Severe symptoms (cold shock, repeated acute allergic reaction):

• Anaphylaxis (severe generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction) may cause tachycardia, fainting, swelling of trunk, limbs, shock;
• swelling of the tongue, throat, leading to difficulty breathing;
• drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness (can occur even when swimming in cold water).

Symptoms of cold allergy occur after a person has been exposed to a sharp change in ambient temperature, cold water. Cold allergy symptoms are more common in cold, wet and windy weather.

Cold urticaria is most often manifested in childhood. Over the years, symptoms may become weaker or worsen.

Specialists do not have a unified opinion on the causes of the development of allergy to cold. The first theory – some people have quite sensitive skin cells, which is due to an inherited trait.

The second theory – with severe or chronic inflammation, viral, fungal, bacterial load increases the permeability of the epithelial layer and violates the integrity of skin cells.

Exposure to both low and high temperatures provokes an additional release of histamine and a number of other chemicals into the blood. It is these substances that cause urticaria, and in some cases, a systemic allergic reaction.

However, the hereditary factor is considered the main cause of the development of cold allergy. It is aggravated by influences from the outside: a sudden change of climate, toxic load, place of residence, concomitant diseases.

Much less often, cold allergy is inherited without a genetic component. This hereditary type under the influence of cold, as well as under the influence of other sharp influences, causes a painful rash and flu-like symptoms. As a rule, it is associated with a lack of nutrients, vitamins, collagen.

If cold allergy is genetically determined, it is impossible to cure it completely. But if you know your peculiarities, you can prevent the development of a reaction.

• If you feel that you have a cold, take an antihistamine as soon as possible to prevent a sudden release of histamine and reduce the likelihood of hives when the body temperature changes.
• Before swimming in cold water, you should dip your hand into it, checking for a skin reaction.
• It is important to protect the skin from exposure to low temperatures. For acute conditions, a change of region of residence may be considered.
• When returning from the cold, do not rush to quickly warm your hands and face. You can repair damaged skin with D-panthenol cream.
• Do not consume frozen foods, cold drinks to prevent the development of swelling of the throat.
• If you are planning a surgical procedure, discuss cold allergies with your doctor. Some medications can also trigger allergy symptoms and swelling.
• It is necessary to work through the process of fat metabolism, paying attention to the outflow of bile and the condition of the liver.
• You can include fats in your diet, such as good quality lard.
• In the cold season, try applying wild animal fat (badger, fox fat) to the skin, which will act as a protector for the skin.