Cold Urticaria

Cold urticaria is a condition that causes an allergic reaction to cold temperatures. A person with cold urticaria may develop a rash or hives after:

• Eating or drinking something cold.
• Putting ice on their skin.
• Swimming or bathing in cold water.
• Walking outdoors in cold weather.

Severe reactions may involve more serious symptoms.

There are two types of cold urticaria:

• Acquired cold urticaria: Also called essential cold urticaria, this type occurs in someone with no family history of the disease. Symptoms usually appear a few minutes after exposure to cold. They tend to go away within an hour or two.
• Familial cold urticaria: Also called hereditary cold urticaria, this type is passed down in families. Symptoms may take longer to appear (from 30 minutes to 48 hours after exposure). And they can last a day or two.

Who might get cold urticaria?

Cold urticaria can affect anyone. Although the disorder is sometimes inherited, most cases occur in people with no family history of the disease.

It’s sometimes associated with other health conditions, such as:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
• Cryoglobulinemia, a blood disorder involving reaction to cold.
• Lymphosarcoma, cancer in the lymphatic system.
• Other types of urticaria (hives).
• Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease.
• Viral infections such as mononucleosis or chickenpox.

Is cold urticaria rare?

Cold urticaria is a rare disorder. The familial form is especially rare.