Nearly one in 2,000 people experience a surprising sensitivity: an allergy to cold temperatures. every winter, approximately 0.05% of the population develops this condition, a little-known disorder that can manifest in uncomfortable and sometimes concerning ways.
Clinical studies show that cold allergy, frequently enough appearing as hives, affects women twice as often as men and can occur at any age, though it’s more common in younger individuals. In 90% of cases, the reaction is triggered by sudden exposure to cold, while the remaining 10% experience a familial form perhaps linked to genetic mutations.
to understand this unusual allergy, isabelle Gallay, a dermatologist and vice-president of the National Union of Dermatology, explains the symptoms, protective measures, and how to manage these hive-like reactions.
What Happens to Your Body During a Cold Allergy?
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Cold urticaria belongs to a group called “physical” urticarias, which also includes reactions to heat, water, or pressure. It’s a rare condition and considered the only true allergy to cold. Symptoms include raised, itchy, red, or white patches appearing immediately upon cold exposure.Swelling can occur in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, or small bumps may develop on the backs of the hands.
“There is meaningful vasodilation, it is as if the vessels emptied a little between the cells, which causes an influx of intercellular fluid responsible for these swellings,” explains the expert, describing the rapid physiological response that can occur within just five minutes of cold exposure.
When Does It Become Dangerous?
“When it is on the skin, it is often benign, but if it reaches the mucous membranes (the mouth or palate), it can be serious and require emergency treatment,” warns Gallay. In these instances, breathing difficulties can arise. “If there is a change in your voice,you must rush to the emergency room,just like during other attacks of urticaria that effect the mucous membranes,” she says. This risk is especially pronounced when consuming something cold,which is why those affected often avoid foods like ice cream.
Is It Chronic, or Can It Be Cured?
“Usually it goes away with time, but when it comes to constitutional urticaria it doesn’t realy go away and can become chronic,” Gallay cautions. Common treatments include antihistamines, protective clothing, and, ideally, avoiding prolonged exposure to cold weather. Desensitization, involving gradual and localized cold exposure, may also be considered for some patients.
Victoria, 29, shares her experience, explaining that to better manage her allergy and enjoy outdoor activities, she’s adopted specific lifestyle habits: “to prevent or calm my attacks, I use Avène, which was recommended to me by my dermatologist. I rarely leave the house without my tube. Simply apply it to the arms, neck, hands and all areas likely to be exposed to the cold.”
She also recommends using relatively fatty products to combat skin dryness: “In case of crisis, I apply an avocado-based mask to my face.Its fat content makes it relatively effective.” However, she tempers expectations, addi
