Mr. Kim, a working professional, began experiencing pain accompanied by itching on his hands starting in early November. His dorsal hands also frequently turned red when he went out. Unsure of what illness he had and feeling scared, he visited a hospital where he was diagnosed with 'cold urticaria.'

 

◇Sudden temperature change causes hives

 

Cold urticaria is a skin condition characterized by hives caused by cold air, cold water, or ice, and it mainly occurs during the process of the body warming up after being exposed to cold environments. The cause of cold urticaria has not yet been identified. It is suspected that exposure to cold induces an excessive immune response in the body when there is a sudden change in temperature, leading to the development of hives. Cold urticaria is known to commonly occur in young adults aged 18 to 25.

Most cold urticaria occurs as an acquired condition. It is classified into primary, reflex, and secondary types based on symptoms. In primary cases, after the skin is exposed to cold stimuli, itching persists for 30 minutes to an hour after a few minutes. When the entire body is exposed to cold temperatures, it can lead to hypotension, dizziness, and even shock. Reflex cold urticaria does not show symptoms when only certain areas of the skin are exposed to cold external stimuli, but widespread hives occur when the entire body is exposed. Secondary acquired cold urticaria, accounting for about 5% of patients, can cause the skin to turn red or purple, and symptoms last for more than 24 hours. In such cases, other underlying conditions may be responsible, so it is advisable to undergo blood tests.

 

◇No definitive cure... Wearing gloves and socks is essential

 

There is no definitive cure for cold urticaria yet. The best approach is to alleviate symptoms through antihistamine medication. Usually, symptoms persist for 5 to 10 years before naturally resolving. If hives occur continuously, it can lead to chronic urticaria, so caution is advised.

 

Since cold stimuli are the direct cause, it is best to avoid cold environments as much as possible for prevention. Especially in winter, be careful not to be suddenly exposed to cold air or to avoid sudden warming after exposure to cold. When going out, always wear gloves, and if your socks get wet with sweat or water, change them immediately.

 

Rubbing your hands or using a hot pack to increase temperature is also an option. If you suspect cold urticaria yourself, it is recommended to try using ice. Place ice on the inside of your arm and wait about 10 minutes; if a hive forms in the shape of the ice where the ice was, you should suspect cold urticaria.

 

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There was a hand warmer.

I think I should buy one.

When you move from a cold place to a warm place

Suddenly, your skin starts to itch, doesn't it?

 

I also wore the long socks today.

When should we go in winter?