Why do I get itchy welts from cold air or water?

Cholinergic urticaria is a physical urticaria - meaning it's caused by a physical stimulus/trigger - characterized by itchy red bumps/hives that rapidly arise and disappear on exposure to cold, such as cold air, water, or even certain cold foods.

These physical effects lead to the release of histamine and other chemicals that produce skin irritation, the formation of red and itchy hives, and a range of other symptoms, including:

- Hives/red welts

- Itching

- Burning

- Swelling

- Tingling

- Numbness

- Difficulty breathing

- Nausea/vomiting

- Lightheadedness/dizziness

- Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)