What Are the Treatments for Cold Hives?

Cold hives, also known as cold urticaria, matriculates in the form of itchy, red welts that often cover the entirety of the body. It is classified as an allergic reaction, both rare and hereditary, brought on by exposure to cold. Fortunately, because it shares symptoms associated with more common forms of allergic reactions, treatment is simple and straightforward.

Diagnosis

• Because cold hives are hereditary, they are different than other forms of hives brought on by heat, stress or mild allergic reactions. A proper diagnosis of cold hives consists of placing an ice cube on the arm for one to five minutes. A person with cold hives will have an adverse reaction to the cold, including reddening and swelling of the skin in just minutes after the ice is removed. A professional diagnosis of cold hives should be conducted by a doctor, as leaving ice on the skin too long can cause mild frost burn and discomfort in patients with cold hives.

Treatment

• On a pharmaceutical level, doctors can prescribe certain medications to help combat both the occurrence and spread of cold hives. Most medications come in the form of powerful antihistamines that combat the body's natural inflammation response. This prevents cold hives from boiling up and itching. Speak with a doctor to determine which antihistamines should be used as most medicinal treatments for cold hives are dangerous if taken incorrectly or in large doses. Certain doctors may prescribe safer, over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl to be taken prior to cold exposure. However, it should be noted that common antihistamines are typically not powerful enough to combat cold hives.

Prevention

• The most effective form of treatment is prevention. If you are diagnosed with cold hives, remove yourself from situations that may result in a rapid drop of body temperature. Any aquatic activities, such as swimming and surfing, should only be performed under constant supervision. Wear proper clothing to protect from atmospheric cold at all times, especially if it is raining or snowing. Do not hold glasses filled with ice or cold drinks for long periods of time. Take small sips to keep lip contact with the cold glass at a minimum. In severe cases of cold hives, carry emergency adrenaline to combat the possibility of anaphylactic shock.

  If prompted by your doctor, consider taking colder and colder showers over a period of time to help build the body's natural acclimation and response time to cold exposure.