Beginning
i didn't experience any symptoms of cold urticaria until I was 8 years old. I grew up in Upstate Ny and spent a lot of time playing outside and in the snow. The first time I ever had a reaction, I was sledding with a few friends, and went inside and my whole body was covered in hives. My friends' parents panicked, but I felt fine on the inside and just waited until the reaction was gone. I continue to live in Upstate NY where we experience cold weather for most of the year. I find pain and harsh shivers when I go outside and the hives come on after about 10 minutes or so, and last for about an hour. I feel as the reaction continues to get worse as I get older, and haven't really found a provider that was willing to help me determine what might help, other than a suggestion of Benadryl before I am exposed to the cold. It's a really frustrating illness because sometimes, I can get the hives from the air conditioning in my car in the summer. Just hoping to find some relief!
Find people with Cold Urticaria through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Cold Urticaria community.