Cold allergy

Can there be an allergy to cold at all? Yes. Specialists from 'LeoDerm' discuss the causes, symptoms, and consider methods for prevention and treatment.

What is cold allergy?

Cold allergy is a condition associated with the body's sensitivity to low temperatures. It occurs not only in autumn, early spring, and winter but also during warmer periods. Particularly in summer, the condition may manifest after swimming in water bodies, staying in unheated spaces, or consuming icy drinks.

The cause of the pathology's development is unknown. Studies suggest that the appearance of cold allergy on the face and other parts of the body is due to a negative immune system reaction. Under the influence of low temperatures (below 4°C), the body begins to produce a specific protein called cryoglobulin, which the immune system perceives as foreign and starts to fight against. This immune system response triggers the production of histamine, which causes an allergic reaction.

What does cold allergy look like on the face or other parts of the body? A common manifestation is hives, accompanied by intense redness or the appearance of raised hives (swollen areas of rash resembling mosquito bites) of various shapes and sizes on different parts of the body.

Causes of redness on the skin from cold

Experts identify a number of reasons that trigger skin redness on the neck, face, and hands after exposure to low temperatures in patients of different age groups. Besides genetic predisposition, the development of cold allergy on the face and other parts of the body can be provoked by factors such as:

• Sudden temperature changes, wind exposure, frost.
• Bathing in extremely cold water.
• Cold food, beverages (ice cream, iced drinks, etc.).
• Impaired protective properties of the body.
• Associated illnesses (tuberculosis, thyroid problems, systemic pathologies).
• Presence of other allergic conditions (seasonal, food-related, bronchial asthma, Quincke's edema, etc.).
• Infectious diseases (HIV, viral hepatitis, toxoplasmosis).
• Oncology.
• Chronic issues with ENT organs (sinusitis, cavities, tonsillitis).

The symptoms of cold allergy on the hands, face, etc., occur within minutes after exposure to the trigger and last for several hours. The most common signs include:

• Appearance of rash in exposed areas (skin redness on hands, face, neck, blisters, papules, etc.). Sometimes the reaction can occur on areas of the skin not exposed to low temperatures.
• Discomfort accompanied by itching, burning in affected areas.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue.
• General weakness symptoms (fatigue, weakness, eyelid swelling, teary eyes, sneezing, coughing). However, the body temperature will not change.
• Headaches, chills.
• Increased heart rate.

In complications of cold-related pathology, patients may experience systemic symptoms—such as anaphylaxis, which manifests as shortness of breath, wheezing, vomiting, accelerated and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, there may be a drop in blood pressure, collapse, and even shock.

Cold allergy in children

Children are sensitive to developing illnesses due to their less resilient immune system. The symptoms of cold allergy in children include:

• Rashes, redness, and flaking of the skin on the face, hands, accompanied by itching.
• Appearance of blisters, other hardenings.
• Fatigue, sneezing, teary eyes.
• Deterioration in well-being (headaches, chills).

A common cause of this pathology in children is considered to be a weakened immune system. Rashes and other symptoms become apparent after colds, herpes, hepatitis. Cold-related pathology can manifest in patients with accompanying chronic conditions.

How and what to treat cold allergy?

How to reduce facial skin redness? Treating cold allergy should only be done under the supervision of a specialist because establishing the correct diagnosis and selecting a treatment plan according to the severity of the condition is essential for prescribing effective treatment.

In adults, for treating cold allergy on the hands, face, and other parts of the body, doctors prescribe antihistamine medications that can reduce the manifestations of hives.

Preventing cold allergy plays a significant role and involves the following:

• Applying a barrier cream 30 minutes before going outside, particularly on exposed areas, and protecting the lips with a hydrating balm.
• Wearing maximum coverage clothing, including hats, scarves, and gloves.
• Avoiding consumption of cold food and drinks.
• Maintaining a balanced diet, consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits, taking vitamins as prescribed by a doctor.
• Using skincare products designed for sensitive skin.
• Staying indoors during excessively severe cold temperatures (if possible).

The prevention and treatment of cold allergy in children are similar. To avoid symptoms, it is recommended to:

• Use hypoallergenic barrier cream, advised to apply half an hour before going outside.
• Dress warmly in natural fabrics.
• Encourage tempering (a child should be tempered from the early years of life, but responsibly, after consulting with a pediatrician).
• Administer antihistamine medications, additional intake of vitamins, etc. (medications should only be prescribed by a specialist, no self-medication).

To resolve the issue and receive effective recommendations regarding cold skin reactions, visit the 'LeoDerm' medical center. Appointments for consultations can be made using the phone numbers provided at the top of the website's main page. Feel free to reach out!