Cold allergy is a health problem that really exists, but make no mistake, this does not mean that the rigors of the Quebec winter poison the lives of people who suffer from it. Also called cold urticaria, this excessive reaction of the body affects more or less five people in 10,000. Here are the triggers, the symptoms, including prevention, all dissected by the pharmacist-owner at Uniprix Chicoutimi, Kevin Girard.
“A cold allergy occurs when there is a change in temperature. The person can become allergic when swimming in water that is too cold, for example, so it doesn’t only happen in winter. A person who suffers from it will be forced to wear gloves when going to get something from the refrigerator, it can go that far,” states Mr. Girard, first wanting to highlight the prevalence of the condition. allergic reaction.
Cold urticaria is caused by a drop in skin temperature upon contact with air, water or cold objects. It can cause damage to the skin or mucous membranes. The symptoms are similar to those developed in the case of a pollen allergy, the pharmacist says.
“Itching, redness, burning sensation. Swelling also occurs, but localized, and which forms where the skin has been in contact with the cold,” he explains.
And if a person believes they have an allergy to cold, they must consult an allergist who will perform the ice cube test. “The doctor will place an ice cube on the person’s forearm, and if it develops with redness, or itching after five minutes, he will be able to diagnose his patient as being allergic to cold. »
Prevention and treatment
Cold allergy can be controlled by good prevention, above all. “The person will have to be as vigilant as possible to avoid contact with the cold. This could mean wearing gloves or a scarf if you go outside, or going out as little as possible in very cold weather in winter. The swimming pool, you have to go slowly so that the body gets used to the change in temperature,” adds Kevin Girard.
Three treatment options are recommended by the pharmacist to alleviate the symptoms. “Without a prescription, there is Benadryl, which however causes a lot of drowsiness and which must be taken four times a day. In the second generation we find Reactine, Claritin or Aerius. Finally, with a prescription, you can also turn to Blexen or Rupall. »
In rare cases, cold allergy can also cause anaphylactic shock and lead to death. Some people will therefore be prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen). Children and young adults are more affected by this rare reaction, as well as women, more than men.
