Allergic reaction to cold : Ive been diagnosed... - Thyroid UK

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Allergic reaction to cold

hadenuff profile image
12 Replies

Ive been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism about 5 years ago - and recently been having allergic reactions to anything cold - if i touch it i swell and get red spots all over - if i drink really cold drinks i get a lump in my throat - also my feet and hands get very hot and itchy - if i touch something just a bit cold - does anyone else have this ?

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hadenuff profile image
hadenuff
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12 Replies

Thats a new one on me. Hypo's are usually sensitive to hot and cold and don't cope very well with extremes of either, perhaps because the hypothalamus is out of sync but I am sure someone else will be along to explain why this happens.

However, I am not sure the word 'allergic' is appropriate, this is usually the body's response to something taken internally, like meds, colourings in food and a host of others or perhaps the application of creams, household products to the outside.

Sorry I can't help further, hope someone else can through some light on it.

RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator

I believe this is called Cold Urticaria. If you search the web, there's lots of information about this condition. Here's a link to get you started dermnetnz.org/reactions/col...

If you haven't already done so, talk with your GP about this as there are medications that you can try.

in reply toRedApple

Well, thats something I have learned today, thanks for putting me right RedApple and apologies to Hadenuff. Presumably it is not specifically related to being hypo?

ellarose1234 profile image
ellarose1234 in reply toRedApple

Brilliant site. Even tells you how to test yourself for it.

I also put into Google "Cold Urticaria and Hypothyroidism" and it does seem as though there is a connection.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

There's also Cold Agglutinin Disease (which is mentioned on the link RedApple posted above):

coldagglutinindisease.org/i...

Rod

hadenuff profile image
hadenuff

Thank you for the responses, most likely irs cold urticaria , just another thing to try and deal with

Marieome20 profile image
Marieome20

Hello I'm hoping I can help you with your problem. I was diagnosed with severe cold urticaria. My senior year I was rushed to the hospital for drinking a slushy. My tongue swelled to the point where it was blocking my throat. I was suggested to see an allergist I was under the impression that I was allergic to blue dye since my slushy was blue. turns out that I tested positive for cold urticaria, I've had it since I was a kid I wasn't as bad as it is now. when walking to school in the winter I got hives on my faces and my ears would swell from being exposed, my hands always itched, and turned really red. when I would go swimming I have full body reactions let me to you will never swim in Lake Huron again considering it is the coldest natural water. I think maybe you should see an allergist and maybe get tested, it is very unpredictable, and very rare, so maybe you should just try it. Good luck!

Pebbles2012 profile image
Pebbles2012 in reply toMarieome20

So.. Where you able to get to the root cause of the cold urticaria. I like you have had it since I was a child but not that severe but lately my body is getting a little more sensitive. I was wondering if stress could make it worse as I have been a lot more stressed out lately. Also I tend to get anxious when I'm in a cold environment thinking about the hives and then I get it. Would like to hear more on how to manage it

djinn80 profile image
djinn80

I too have cold urticaria, was very strange at first as I thought I was having a reaction to something I've been eating. Do you do any drugs (pot, etc)? Do you eat Gluten? 80% of the immune system is in the gut so not a bad place to start.

I've been GF for the past 8 months and it's lowered my tolerance from 65 degrees to about 58 degrees. We eat out too often so I can't say I'm 100% GF, but I don't ever order anything w/gluten anymore. I think it helps but next step is to dig deeper into my thyroid levels...

Luckily for me, I can still drink smoothies and stuff - I'm only effected on my skin.

Pebbles2012 profile image
Pebbles2012 in reply todjinn80

So do you think it's gut related. I know eczema is most of time due to leaky gut but if this can too be cured that way, that would be great.

Pebbles2012 profile image
Pebbles2012

We're you able to find a connection between your thyroid and the cold urticaria???..I too think there might be an underlying connection some where. I'm eager to get to a solution. Thanks in advance

MJ30 profile image
MJ30

hadenuff were totally the same i am positive in having cold urticaria tomorrow I will undergo ultrasound - thyroid I'll update you guys if it has connection.

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