What actually causes cold urticaria? I stay in an air conditioned room and usually nothing happens. But when I'm exposed to cold stimuli for a long time or if it's really too cold, my hands swell up and become puffy and itchy. Is there a way to stop this besides covering up? I'm 16, female and I have had this allergy since I was little.
Wed, 18 Jun 2014
Infectious Diseases Specialist, Dr. Praveen G's Response
Hello, Welcome to HCM,
The history and symptoms suggests me that you may be having the Raynaud phenomenon. It is a condition in which there is excessive reduced blood flow in response to cold or emotional stress.
It is a hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system causing extreme vasoconstriction of the peripheral blood vessels, leading to tissue hypoxia and producing these symptoms.
This can be managed by avoiding triggers such as cold, keeping a warm body temperature and avoiding smoking including passive smoking.
Drugs like nifedipine, amlodipine or diltiazem is helpful for moderate or severe Raynaud phenomenon. Thank you.
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What Actually Causes Cold Urticaria?
Hello, Welcome to HCM, The history and symptoms suggests me that you may be having the Raynaud phenomenon. It is a condition in which there is excessive reduced blood flow in response to cold or emotional stress. It is a hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system causing extreme vasoconstriction of the peripheral blood vessels, leading to tissue hypoxia and producing these symptoms. This can be managed by avoiding triggers such as cold, keeping a warm body temperature and avoiding smoking including passive smoking. Drugs like nifedipine, amlodipine or diltiazem is helpful for moderate or severe Raynaud phenomenon. Thank you.