Is it possible to be allergic to cold water?

Question

I tend to break out in hives when my skin is in contact with cold water for more than a few minutes. What might cause this?

Answer 1

I suffer from the same thing, cold urticaria or cold induced urticaria.

This year it's a lot worse for me. last year I barely noticed that I had it, this year I can't even hold a glass cup without my hands burning and swelling. It's very tough to live with, you learn to cope with it after a while. Having an allergy pill in the morning before you start the day usually keeps the symptoms down, and the reactions aren't as bad.

I had a really difficult time in being diagnosed, it seemed as if only certain temperatures of cold made me react. If its too cold it takes longer for any symptom to show.

I've had it for 5 years. Each year it's different, some years worse than others.

I've learned to get use to drinking room temperature water, to avoid my lips from swelling.

It's tough to live with, I wish It would go away. People often assume that it's something foolish or that I've made up "Allergic to the cold". It's caused a lot of problems for the program I want to get into at the college. It has a lot to do with being outside, when it's raining or snowing or windy. I can't participate, which is hard. You learn to cope with it all, and learn to live life with the allergy.

Best of luck in the new year, and remember always carry an allergy pill with you. You never know when you might need it.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

My brother seems to have the same thing; he's noticed that he gets hives when he's out in the cold air too long. It just started happening in the last few months. Not sure if it's a disease or what though. Good luck finding out.

Answer 4

The condition is called cold uticaria. The exact cause is not known.