What actually causes cold urticaria? I stay in an air conditioned room and usually nothing happens. But when Im exposed to cold stimuli for a long time or if its really too cold, my hands swell up and become puffy and itchy. Is there a way to stop this besides covering up? Im 16, female and I have had this allergy since I was little.
Hello, Welcome to Chat Doctor, The history and symptoms suggests me that you may be having the Maynard phenomenon. It is a condition in which there is excessive reduced blood flow in response to cold or emotional stress. It is a hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system causing extreme vasoconstriction of the peripheral blood vessels, leading to tissue hypoxia and producing these symptoms. This can be managed by avoiding triggers such as cold, keeping a warm body temperature and avoiding smoking including passive smoking. Chat Doctor. Thank you.