Beginning

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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!