When most of us are cursing the cold weather because we’re shivering, others are facing a life-threatening situation.

Cold uticaria is an allergy to cold. While many of us might joke that we are allergic to the winter, cold uticaria doesn’t require winter temps to result in symptoms. In fact, an individual with this condition could have it triggered by jumping into an unheated swimming pool on a hot summer’s day.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include hives, redness, blushing, itchiness, and drops in blood pressure. In some sufferers, the reaction can be as severe as anaphylaxis.

Simple things that many take for granted can be off limits: ice cream or a cold drink; running through a sprinkler; making a snowman.

The reaction won’t start while the person is still cold – usually the most significant symptoms will set in as the person (or the affected area) warms up. Then the body triggers a release of histamine – the chemical behind allergic symptoms – and the reaction starts.

There is no known cure for this unusual condition. It can be treated with antihistamines. When the weather is cold – like it is now in the Northern hemisphere – antihistamines should be taken daily. Depending on the severity of the allergy, some sufferers will need to carry an Epi-pen.

The condition is more common in children and young adults.

Source: Fox 10 TV