Frost allergy

Allergy to frost is also called cold allergy or thermoallergy. This is a relatively new symptom of an allergic reaction associated with a general weakening of the immune system.

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What are the symptoms of frost allergy?

Frosty air, just a cool wind, even in summer, sudden bad weather can cause unpleasant and incomprehensible sensations, usually in the face area. Less often, hands suffer, in general, all areas of the body not protected by clothing can become a target for such a type of allergy as cold. Hyperemic areas are covered with a rash, then small papules appear, blisters are possible. Eyes also suffer, they begin to water, then the sclera turns red, and then the eyelids swell. Often, a person, turning to an ophthalmatologist, describes the signs of the disease as sand in the eyes, itching in the eyelid area, decreased vision. In medicine, in allergology, there is no separate type to which all the above symptoms would belong. In fact, the nosology "allergy to frost" or "cold allergy" does not exist. The reason is simple. Cold, frost, wind are not an allergen, the body is simply not able to produce antibodies to natural phenomena. Frosty air can only be a trigger mechanism and start the process of an allergic disease. Thus, an allergy to frost is a pseudo-allergy. If a person suffers from an allergy, his sensitivity to any external factor is increased. CIC - circulating immune complexes are capable of disintegrating in a thermal mode, but cold can activate them. Also, allergists call chronic diseases of non-allergic etiology one of the reasons. Therefore, the general condition of the body is the basis for possible allergic manifestations, including cold allergy. A decrease in the protective function of the immune system, a disruption in the digestive system, liver diseases, especially hepatitis, cholelithiasis and many other pathologies - all this is fertile ground for the invasion of not only allergens, but other harmful substances.

What are the signs of cold allergy?

Allergy to frost most often manifests itself in urticaria, hyperemia (redness) of exposed areas of the body. If measures are not taken in a timely manner, allergy to frost continues to develop and itching sensations spread throughout the person's body. Scratching leads to erosive lesions, microcracks, and blisters appear. Most often, these symptoms affect the inner sides of the arms and legs, as well as the face and neck. Increasingly, allergists have begun to observe cases of cold reaction on the scalp in clinical practice. Cheilitis develops on the lips, which is most often called "fever". Migraine-type headaches are possible, which are not relieved by conventional analgesics.

How is frost allergy treated?

Cold allergy is difficult to treat with standard anti-allergic medication. Sometimes neither antihistamines nor immunomodulators are able to cope with persistent cold symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to find out the cause of the underlying disease, conduct diagnostic measures and begin treatment of this disease.

Allergy to frost and food

You should not eat chilled foods, ice cream, or cold drinks. Just one sip of cold juice can trigger an allergic process or return it after a long and persistent treatment.

Allergy to frost is a temporary, seasonal phenomenon. However, it is necessary to remember that cold allergy includes provocation by cold air in principle. Therefore, it is better to warn, prevent this unpleasant phenomenon so that it does not repeat in the summer and does not spoil the holiday season.

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How to prevent cold allergy?

An allergy to frost is not something that cannot be avoided. Prevention is quite simple - it is clothing that corresponds to the season and weather. On hands - gloves or mittens, on feet - warm shoes with high tops, on the neck - a scarf, on the head - a hat. It is also preferable to wear warm underwear made of natural materials. In general, any contact with synthetics can provoke an allergic reaction, and the cold can further intensify allergic manifestations. As a preventive measure, it is worth noting the preliminary intake of warm tea, which should be drunk immediately before going outside. Unprotected areas of the body - the face should be protected with a special cream that does not contain allergens, preferably oily. An oily protector will help the skin maintain the desired level of moisture and avoid overdrying of the epidermis. Contact with any cold substance, be it cold water or snow, should be excluded. If the rash and hyperemia have already appeared before visiting a doctor, you can apply compresses of chamomile decoction to the affected areas, cover them with a healing and softening agent, non-greasy baby cream. Papules and blisters should not be opened or touched at all, if the skin film is damaged and exudate begins to stand out, you can treat these areas with drying antiseptics, brilliant green.