Cold urticaria

Background

• Hypersensitivity to cold air or water
• In rare cases, this may lead to fatal anaphylaxis

Differential Diagnosis

Acute allergic reaction

• Allergic reaction/urticaria
• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema
• Anxiety attack
• Asthma exacerbation
• Carcinoid syndrome
• Cold urticaria
• Contrast induced allergic reaction
• Scombroid
• Shock
• Transfusion reaction

Cold injuries

• Generalized
  • Accidental hypothermia
  • Therapeutic hypothermia
• Freezing
  • Frostbite
• Non-freezing
  • Trench foot
  • Chilblains (Pernio)
  • Cold panniculitis
  • Cold urticaria
  • Polar thigh

Management

• Treat similarly to urticarial lesions from other causes (i.e. antihistamines)
• Avoidance of cold is recommended

Disposition

• Outpatient

See Also

• Cold injuries