What causes cold-induced urticaria?
Cold urticaria occurs when the body releases histamines in reaction to cold. Histamines are chemicals made by your immune system in response to an allergen. But the reason for the histamine release is unknown.
Is cold urticaria an autoimmune disorder?
Some cases of cold urticaria may be a symptom of autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune disorders involve your body’s immune system attacking healthy cells or tissue for unknown reasons.
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What are the symptoms of cold urticaria?
The signs and symptoms of cold urticaria vary from person to person. They can be mild to severe. They may affect a small area of your skin or your entire body.
The main symptom is a skin rash after exposure to something cold. The rash generally occurs after the exposure is over, as your skin’s temperature rises.
The rash may involve:
- Hives, bumps or welts.
- Itchiness.
- Redness.
- Swelling.
Other symptoms might include:
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Joint pain.
In very rare, severe cases, a person may also experience a systemic reaction that affects their entire body, such as:
- Fainting.
- Heart palpitations.
- Massive allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
- Shortness of breath or wheezing.
Is cold urticaria contagious?
Cold urticaria isn’t contagious. But the condition is sometimes associated with viral or other infections, which can spread from person to person.
