The Types of Cold Weather Allergy

The allergy that results from exposure to cold is called "cold urticaria" or simply referred to as cold hives. This allergy is characterized by large red welts on the skin surface. These welts are itchy, and sometimes the hands and feet will become itchy as well. The hives can vary in diameter. Depending on the person and the severity of the exposure, some hives can appear larger than a fifty pence piece or even larger.

For some people, this allergy can last up to 6 weeks or longer. If this is the case, the allergy can be labeled as chronic. This disorder can also last for a lifetime although some reported cases show that it can disappear for no reason. Here are some types of cold urticaria:

Primary cold contact urticaria. A skin condition with symptoms such as as raised portion of a skin usually red patches. This type of allergy occurs during cold seasons or when the skin makes contact with any cold object such as ice cubes.

Secondary cold contact urticaria. This is an extremely rare medical condition and is a result of serum abnormalities during cold periods.

Reflex cold urticaria. A skin condition that happens after the body experienced exposure to cold. Hives would normally cover the entire body.

Familial cold urticaria. An inherited form of cold urticaria that can also result to rashes and hives throughout the body.