Cold Urticaria: Why Some People Break Out Into Hives From...

What’s Happening

Here’s the thing: It’s technically not a true allergy.

During the winter, you may struggle to feel warm no matter how much you bundle up. But some people actually break out in hives when exposed to cold, whether they’re outdoors in the winter, walking through the freezer aisle at the grocery store, holding an icy beverage, or even sitting in an air-conditioned room. (plot twist fr)

This reaction is because of a rare condition affecting about 0.

The Details

05 percent of people known as cold urticaria, which is a “physical form of chronic urticaria, or hives ,” explains Walter Ryan, DO, an allergist and immunologist at Dartmouth Health in Nashua, New Hampshire. “It’s not a true cold allergy, but rather a skin condition where the immune system overreacts to cold exposure, releasing histamine and other chemicals.

” (Cold sensitivity is different from person to person, so the exact temperature that can trigger symptoms varies. ) Meet the the experts: Walter Ryan , DO, is an allergist and immunologist at Dartmouth Health in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Why This Matters

Sharlene Llanes , MD, is an allergist and immunologist at Allervie Health in Loxahatchee, Florida. Manav Singla , MD, is an allergist and immunologist at MedStar Health in Baltimore, Maryland. Purvi Parikh , MD, is a New York City allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network.

Medical professionals are taking note of this development.

Key Takeaways

• You may also experience swelling in the tongue, throat, eyelids, and lips.
• Here’s what to know about the condition, how to manage it, and when to seek medical attention.

The Bottom Line

Here’s what to know about the condition, how to manage it, and when to seek medical attention. Why Cold Urticaria Happens Doctors don’t fully understand why some people develop cold urticaria, says Manav Singla, MD, an allergist and immunologist at MedStar Health in Baltimore, Maryland.

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