Allergic reaction to cold

[hadenuff]

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 ?

[Hidden]

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 Administrator]

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.

[Hidden in reply to RedApple]

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 in reply to RedApple]

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 Administrator Thyroid UK]

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

coldagglutinindisease.org/i...

Rod

[hadenuff]

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

[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 in reply to Marieome20]

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]

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 in reply to djinn80]

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]

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]

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.