Have you ever experienced itchy skin or noticed hives when the weather is cold? This is a condition caused by an allergy to cold weather and is not considered a classic allergic reaction. In general, a cold allergy is a reaction that occurs when the body is exposed to cold temperatures. Known as cold urticaria, this physical skin reaction occurs due to the release of histamine when the immune system detects a trigger.
Usually, a cold allergy is indicated by hives or bumps that appear due to exposure to cold temperatures from the air or water. Although it is commonly found in adolescents, a cold allergy can occur in anyone.
So, is simply warming up the body enough to treat a cold allergy? To avoid handling it incorrectly, you can read the discussion below.
What Is a Cold Allergy?
A cold allergy is a condition in which the body reacts to a significant decrease in temperature, characterized by the appearance of bumps or hives on the skin. This reaction appears after a person touches a cold object or exposes their skin to cold water.
An allergic reaction can occur because cold temperatures trigger cold-sensitive skin cells to release histamine. The itching that appears on the skin usually disappears on its own after a few hours without the need to apply certain ointments or creams.
Nevertheless, some cases of cold allergies can involve severe symptoms, including loss of consciousness. This can be triggered by underlying health conditions, such as low blood pressure, asthma, and others.
Causes of Cold Allergy
The histamine released by the body when it considers cold weather an allergen can be carried through the bloodstream and cause itching and redness on the skin. The factors that trigger cold allergies include:
- Age: Cold allergies are more commonly seen in young people than adults. As age increases, the risk of developing a cold allergy also decreases.
- Genetics: Cold allergies can be passed down from parents to their children.
- Certain health conditions: People with infections, cancer, and hepatitis are more likely to suffer from cold allergies.
Symptoms of Cold Allergy
Although cold allergies are often characterized by itchy skin, the symptoms vary from person to person. In addition to bumps or itching, the following are symptoms of a cold allergy that need to be anticipated:
- A reddish rash on the skin.
- Swelling in body parts that come into contact with cold objects, generally occurring on the hands and lips.
- A hot sensation on the skin due to inflammation in severe cases of cold allergy.
The body's reaction to cold weather needs to be treated appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not mean that the body should immediately be exposed to something warm after feeling cold because it can actually worsen the condition.
If a cold allergy becomes more severe, sufferers can experience difficulty breathing, fainting, and even shock. To treat it, seek medical attention immediately or call emergency medical services as soon as possible.
How to Treat a Cold Allergy
People with cold allergies do not need to worry because symptoms that appear, such as hives and redness on the skin, can disappear on their own without special treatment. Doctors also recommend that sufferers avoid going outdoors during cold weather or avoid triggers of allergic reactions when the allergy flares up.
Nevertheless, if a cold allergy does not go away and interferes with daily activities, the doctor will prescribe certain medications, such as:
- Antihistamines: Medications that can stop the production of histamine in the body and relieve allergic reactions.
- Systemic corticosteroids: Medications that can reduce inflammation when an allergy flares up.
- Omalizumab: A medication that inhibits the body's immune response to allergy triggers and relieves itching, administered by injection.
- Leukotriene antagonists: Medications that are usually used to relieve asthma but can also work against cold allergies.
- Epinephrine: To slow the rate of the reaction caused by a cold-weather allergy in people experiencing anaphylaxis (shock due to a severe allergic reaction).
How to Prevent a Cold Allergy
In fact, a cold allergy is a condition that can be avoided through practical measures to protect the body from low temperatures. Some ways that can be done to avoid a cold allergy include:
- Wear warm, layered clothing or a thick jacket when traveling to cold places.
- Avoid consuming cold foods and drinks, such as ice cream.
- Avoid swimming in cold-water pools so as not to trigger an allergic reaction. If you want to swim, it is best to choose a warm-water pool.
- Wear gloves to keep your body temperature warm when coming into contact with cold surfaces.
- Bring medications prescribed by a doctor when traveling to cold places.
That concludes the discussion about cold allergies, including their causes, symptoms, treatments, and ways to avoid them. A cold allergy can heal after several hours without special treatment, but taking medication prescribed by a doctor can be an option if the condition does not improve.
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While wearing warm clothing, drinking a 600 ml bottle of AQUA outdoors can prevent dehydration during cold weather. Remember, not all water is AQUA. AQUA comes from 19 selected mountain sources in Indonesia, so it contains natural minerals and has a protective layer that keeps it free from contamination.
Not only that, AQUA is naturally cool. Nonetheless, it is not as cold as ice and still feels comfortable in the throat when consumed in cold weather. AQUA is an authentic Indonesian product that is Halal-certified and meets BPOM and SNI standards, so its safety for consumption is guaranteed. So, don't forget to #AQUADULU. AQUA is 100% Pure, 100% Indonesian, and 100% Halal.
