Cold Urticaria

For all of you who ever wondered what my medical condition really was, or how it works, here is some info I found today. (The subject was in my mind because I found my MedicAlert bracelet last night, and decided I really should be wearing it.)

Some people develop hives on the skin when they encounter cold temperatures. This condition, called cold urticaria, is the most common type of hives caused by a physical condition. The hives are produced by a rapid release of histamine brought about by IgE antibodies and eosinophils (a type of white blood cell often involved in allergic reactions) in response to the cold. Rapid cooling, as from the evaporation when one gets out of a swimming pool, can trigger cold urticaria even on a warm day. For people with cold urticaria, swimming in very cold water is quite dangerous, sometimes even causing death.Treatment of cold urticaria involves avoiding the cold, when possible, and taking antihistamines. Most affected people are advised to carry an epinephrine releasing device, such as an Epipen, or EpInhaler.

I also found out that this condition affects approximatly 12.5% of the population in North Amercia. So I am not alone! And now hopefully you all know a little more about it too!