was found to significantly reduce the development of chronic cold urticaria symptom without an increase in adverse effects at doses of and . Allergy medications containing antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), cyproheptadine (Periactin), and fexofenadine (Allegra) may be taken orally to prevent and relieve some of the hives. For those who have severe anaphylactic reactions, a prescribed medicine such as doxepin, taken daily, should help to prevent and/or lessen the likelihood of a reaction and thus, anaphylaxis. The effectiveness of topical antihistamine creams against hives induced by cold temperature has not been evaluated. Cold hives can result in a potentially serious or even fatal systemic reaction (anaphylactic shock). People with cold hives may have to carry an injectable form of epinephrine (like Epi-pen or Twinject) for use in the event of a serious reaction. Studies have found that omalizumab (Xolair) may be an effective and safe treatment for cold urticaria in patients who do not sufficiently respond to standard treatments. Ebastine has been proposed as an approach to prevent acquired cold urticaria. See also Amyloidosis Cholinergic urticaria, a similar hives reaction in response to heat Aquagenic urticaria Diascopy Erythema Goose bumps, an unrelated, normal response to cold temperatures List of cutaneous conditions Skin lesion Plaid syndrome References External links Urticaria and angioedema