Cold Urticaria

Living with Cold Urticaria. How to live with Cold Urticaria?

Can you be happy living with Cold Urticaria? What do you have to do to be happy with Cold Urticaria? Living with Cold Urticaria can be difficult, but you have to fight to try to be happy. Have a look at things that other people have done to be happy with Cold Urticaria

Living with Cold Urticaria

Cold urticaria, also known as cold hives, is a condition characterized by the development of itchy hives or welts on the skin after exposure to cold temperatures. Living with cold urticaria can be challenging, but with proper management and lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to minimize symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Here are some tips to help you live with cold urticaria:

1. Avoid Cold Triggers

Avoiding exposure to cold temperatures is crucial in managing cold urticaria. Bundle up in warm clothing, especially in cold weather, and use gloves, scarves, and hats to protect your extremities. Take warm showers instead of hot ones and avoid swimming in cold water. Additionally, be cautious when handling cold objects or consuming cold foods and drinks.

2. Maintain a Stable Body Temperature

Keeping your body temperature stable can help prevent flare-ups of cold urticaria. Dress in layers to regulate your body temperature and avoid sudden temperature changes. Use blankets or heating pads to stay warm during colder months. It may also be helpful to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

3. Use Protective Measures

Applying a barrier cream or petroleum jelly to exposed skin can provide a protective layer and reduce the severity of symptoms when exposed to cold. Wearing gloves or using hand warmers can help protect your hands. Consider using hypoallergenic laundry detergents and fabric softeners to minimize skin irritation.

4. Take Medications as Prescribed

If your symptoms are severe or significantly impact your quality of life, your doctor may prescribe medications to manage cold urticaria. Antihistamines can help relieve itching and reduce the allergic response. In some cases, your doctor may recommend other medications, such as leukotriene inhibitors or corticosteroids, to control symptoms.

5. Educate Yourself and Others

Learn as much as you can about cold urticaria to better understand your condition and how to manage it effectively. Share information with your family, friends, and coworkers to raise awareness and help them understand the challenges you face. This can foster a supportive environment and reduce misunderstandings.

6. Seek Support

Living with a chronic condition like cold urticaria can be emotionally challenging. Consider joining support groups or online communities where you can connect with others who share similar experiences. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others who understand can provide valuable support and coping strategies.

7. Communicate with Healthcare Professionals

Regularly communicate with your healthcare professionals, such as allergists or dermatologists, to discuss your symptoms, treatment options, and any concerns you may have. They can provide personalized advice and adjustments to your management plan based on your specific needs.

8. Be Prepared for Emergencies

In severe cases, exposure to cold temperatures can lead to a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) with you at all times and make sure your family, friends, and coworkers know how to use it in case of an emergency. Prompt administration of epinephrine can be lifesaving.

Living with cold urticaria requires proactive management and lifestyle adjustments to minimize symptoms and prevent complications. By following these tips and working closely with your healthcare team, you can lead a fulfilling life while effectively managing your condition.

by Diseasemaps

I think it can be possible to be happy with any kind of condition, but it can be very hard. It's depressing to not be able to take an apple or orange out of the refrigerator and peel or cut it. I do find myself getting very depressed because of my CU. But I still do have days where I am happy, and not so sad about living with CU

2/27/17 by Ettienne 1295

This is a tough question. Most people live pretty diminished lives because of CU. Hopefully you live in a moderate climate. If you have all 4 seasons where you live, expect to spend a few months out of the year mostly in the house or housebound. If you were an active person, it's very hard to continue an active lifestyle with CU. It's depressing and completely life altering. My life has unfortunately, never been the same. Find happiness in other aspects of your life. I will never be truly happy unless this goes away.

3/20/17 by Jennifer Entwistle 1155

For me I'm stuck in my home most of the year which is depressing but I live in a really cold area, what I do to keep occupied is I have taken up crocheting and attempting to knit, I like writing, but mostly I clean, I have family over and just try to make the best of each day. I'm sure if I lived somewhere that I could jump in a vehicle year round I would be happy but as of now I feel trapped and most times depressed. But during the summer I can get outside some days. Over all I'm happy and still everyday is a learning experience living with CU.

5/4/17 by Paulette 1000

I get extremely uncomfortable, itchy, and swell up when I go out in the winter with CU but it doesn't stop me. I have had it for years so I am just used to it now, it doesn't get in the way of my life, besides losing an ROTC scholarship when I was first diagnosed because I could not pass the medical waiver :/ I still go skiing, sledding, and running in the winter, just for shorter periods of time with breaks to warm myself up. If you put effort into moving on, I have found it becomes a small annoyance- from a big picture perspective. The most frustrating part is explaining to people why you don't want to go out into the cold "I am allergic to the cold" is usually responded to with "hahaha yeah, me too!".

7/20/18 by Larissa 100

Avoid going out in cold weather. Avoid going outside in the rain. You may want to avoid swimming. Take antihistamines.

9/24/18 by 6000

Take precautions. Keep working with your allergist to work out the most pre-emptive plan for its control and don't ;et it stop you doing the things you want to do.

9/28/18 by Rachel 3020

You will notice certain habits you will have that others won't have. Such as holding bottles by the cap because the bottle itself is cold, or holding cold bowls/cup differently (like using your sleeve to hold a cup at the bottom). People are GOING TO FORGET about your allergy and may offer you things like going out in the cold weather or asking you to do things that involve the cold (ex. I was asked to get bottles out of the bottom of a cooler filled with water and ice). There are a million small things that you will do differently but few are things people will notice.

10/26/18 by Victoria 3550

Each case of CU is so different.

1/20/20 by Heather 2500

Take no chances ! Bundle up ,carry a blanket in your car during cold weather, epi pen, auto start your car & keep hand warmers on hand.

2/13/20 by Deana 3050

Always be prepared when you leave your house , keep extra clothes, umbrella, gloves in your car at all times. Know what triggers you personally and let those around you know about your condition. If you remember this you can have a pretty normal life

7/9/20 by Jami 1800

Top questions

What is the life expectancy of someone with Cold Urticaria?

Celebrities with Cold Urticaria

Is Cold Urticaria hereditary?

Is Cold Urticaria contagious?

Is there any natural treatment for Cold Urticaria?

View more questions of Cold Urticaria

World map of Cold Urticaria

Find people with Cold Urticaria through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Cold Urticaria community.

There are 530 people in the map. View Map of Cold Urticaria