What Is Cold Urticaria and How to Relieve It?

Cold urticaria is not exactly an allergy but rather a condition where the skin reacts to cold exposure. Unlike cold urticaria, a real allergy is an immune response to foreign substances that enter the body in various ways.

In the case of cold urticaria, the skin is exposed to a cold environmental temperature which causes the following symptoms: 

• Severe nasal congestion in the cold


• Skin redness, peeling, the occurrence of spots and blisters. These may also be signs of dermatitis

• Eye redness, itching, conjunctivitis

All these manifestations of cold urticaria disappear if you return to a warm room. 

Why does cold urticaria occur? 

Unfortunately, scientists don’t know exactly why this condition occurs. But there are several factors that may trigger symptoms of cold urticaria:

• Genetic predisposition. If your relatives have cold urticaria, you may also have it.


• Infectious diseases. Acute infections (such as mononucleosis or hepatitis) and frequent acute respiratory viral infections increase the risk of cold urticaria.


• Chronic diseases. Allergic reaction to the cold often occurs in those who have kidney, thyroid gland, and digestive problems.


• Allergies. If you’re allergic to certain foods, pollen or pets, then the immune system may respond incorrectly to the cold as well.


• Bad habits. Alcohol and cigarettes increase the risk of cold urticaria.

How to Treat Cold Urticaria? 

First, you need to visit a primary care physician NYC for an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms of cold urticaria can be caused by other health issues including serious diseases. But you can take measures that may help relieve your condition at the moment. 

1. Take special medications

The doctor will prescribe you antihistamines, as well as ointments with corticosteroids to relieve skin condition. It’s better not to buy non-prescribed medications in order to avoid side effects.

2. Change your clothes

If you are prone to allergies, your skin may react to wool, fur or dyes that are present in warm clothing. Natural fur coats can trigger allergic reactions. Choose hypoallergenic materials and wash your winter clothes with allergy-friendly products.

3. Eat well 

Even if you don’t have a food allergy, you should eat healthily. Try to limit foods that may trigger an allergic reaction. These are citrus fruits, chocolate, fish, honey, and eggs.

Some foods will help you strengthen the immune system and relieve cold urticaria. Increase the consumption of the following products: 

• Honey. Honey contains  A, B, C, E, K vitamins and folic acid. But its major advantage is that it contains flavonoids (substances that positively affect the activity of enzymes in the body).


• Nuts. They contain potassium, magnesium, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, nut consumption improves vessel health, helps prevent heart disease, and reduce the risk of stroke and atherosclerosis. 


• Dairy products. Since kefir and yogurt contain probiotics, they are beneficial for the immune system. They also improve digestion and eliminate toxins from the body.  

4. Protect your skin

Reduce contact with cold. If your eyes suffer, you can wear safety glasses. Don’t forget to moisten the skin with a special protective cream, and lips with hygienic lipstick. Buy soft sensitive skincare products not to injure sore areas with soap. Don’t attend swimming lessons in order to avoid an allergic reaction to chlorinated water.