Does your throat or lips swell after drinking or eating something frozen? Do you develop an itchy rash or welts after coming in from the cold, especially on exposed skin? Have you ever experienced an itchy rash or felt fain after being in cold water?

People who answer in the affirmative to any of these questions may have a condition called cold urticaria. Individuals who have this condition develop hives (welts on the skin that typically itch) when exposed to cold temperatures. 

Other Causes of Hives

The patient may not develop hives each time they encounter something cold. Some individuals only get hives when cool wind hits their skin, or they swim in cold water.

Others are particularly sensitive and can develop hives when they spend time in an air-conditioned building or stand near a freezer case in a grocery store. Most people who develop hives from the cold are otherwise in good health. 

If a person gets hives from the cold, they do not have to necessarily bear the flare-ups. Certain precautions may help avoid hives. Some patients may also require medication.

It is important to understand if a person has cold urticaria prior to taking any medicines. 

How is cold urticaria diagnosed?

It is advisable for people who believe that they have cold urticaria to consult a board certified dermatologist. Dermatologists can usually diagnose hives and care for people who get hives. 

A dermatologist will ask the patient about the symptoms that they experience to determine if they get hives from cold temperatures. If a person develops any of the following signs or symptoms when exposed to cold, they should inform their dermatologist:

• Burning sensation
• Welts, sometimes itchy
• Swelling and redness on skin exposed to cold temperatures
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Swollen lips or inflammation in the throat

The dermatologist may also test the skin to understand how it responds to cold. This may involve the ice cube challenge test. In case this test is required, the dermatologist will place a plastic bag containing an ice cube on the patient’s bare skin, often their forearm.

A majority of people with cold urticaria develop a welt on their skin after the bad is removed, and their skin begins to warm up. Even if a welt does not develop from the ice cube challenge test, it is possible for the patient to have cold urticaria. For this reason, the dermatologist will ask questions and evaluate the skin. 

Treatment 

Avoiding the causes of their hives is enough for many people to live comfortably.

But people who have had a serious reaction from cold, such as fainting or inflammation in their throat, will usually be advised by their dermatologist always to carry an epinephrine pen. Injecting themselves in the event of a serious reaction could save a person’s life.

Antihistamines are also helpful for many people with cold urticaria. These drugs can prevent the development of hives and symptoms such as itchiness. If antihistamines are ineffective in preventing hives, the dermatologist may prescribe a stronger drug, such as omalizumab.

If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

A dermatologist can usually diagnose hives by looking at the patient’s skin. Detecting the cause of hives, however, can be difficult. 

This is particularly true for hives that have been around for over six weeks. A dermatologist will assess the patient’s medical history, ask questions, and perform a physical examination to determine the cause of the hives. 

How do dermatologists treat hives?

The most common treatment for a mild to moderate case of hives is a non-sedating (non-drowsiness causing) antihistamine. Antihistamines offer relief from symptoms such as itching. 

Additionally, antihistamines are also prescribed for chronic hives. Taking this medication daily can prevent hives from developing. Many antihistamines are available on the market. While some can make a patient drowsy, others do not. 

Drugs that dermatologists prescribe for the treatment of hives include the following:

• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone: These drugs are prescribed for short-term use because of the side effects associated with long-term use.  
• Dapsone: This antibiotic can relieve inflammation and redness.
• Omalizumab: This injectable drug can be helpful for patients suffering from chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), which is a form of hives that can last for months, or even years. 
• Other drugs to combat swelling and redness. 

The patient should ask their dermatologist about the potential side effects of these medications. 

In some cases of hives or angioedema (a condition that is similar to hives, but the inflammation occurs deeper in the skin), the patient may require an injection of epinephrine (shot of adrenaline).

All drugs have potential side effects, and the patient should ask their dermatologist about the possible side effects. 

Treatment for Chronic Hives

Chronic hives known as CIU can last for six weeks or longer and sometimes persist for years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two drugs for the treatment of this condition — antihistamines and omalizumab.

According to research, half of the people with CIU continue to experience hives after treatment with antihistamines. Omalizumab is injected under the skin, and it has been proven to relieve the itch and clear hives in some individuals with CIU. 

A research study found that 36 percent of patients who received treatment with omalizumab reported no hives and no itch following the treatment. 

Results

Hives are not a serious condition for most people. In the case of children, they may outgrow the allergies that cause their hives. 

At times, people with chronic hives, or those that last for over six weeks, see the hives resolve on their own, usually within one year. People with a chronic case of hives may experience that they come and go for months or years. 

In case the hives are chronic or become severe, it is vital to receive medical help. Hives can indicate an internal disease, and some people experience severe inflammation. Patients with hives and problems in breathing or swallowing should get immediate emergency care. 

Tips for the Management of Hives

The patient may not require treatment when the hives are mild. They can often find relief from the itching by applying cool cloths to the hives, or by taking cool showers. 

In case the patient has a bad allergic response, such as shortness of breath, they should consult their doctor about a prescription drug known as an “auto-injector.” This drug stops the allergic response upon being injected into the thigh. The patient should follow the doctor’s advice on how to use this drug. 

If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

Besides chickenpox, mosquito bites, and poison ivy, the skin can itch for various reasons. This condition could occur due to various reasons. If the itch does not subside quickly by itself, or the condition worsens, it is best to consult with a dermatologist.

Causes and Treatments

Following are some reasons for itching skin and measures to bring relief. 

1. Skin that is very dry

Skin that is extremely dry can lead to an intense itch. 

Itch relief

The dermatologist may offer a topical or oral prescription drug to the patient, which can provide relief from the itchy skin as well as dryness. Over the counter lotions or creams may also help if the symptoms are mild. 

2. Bug bites

The cause of the itchy skin is quite obvious in cases of mosquito bites, and the itch tends to resolve quickly. However, when bugs live on the skin or feed on a person’s skin every night, the itch can be persistent and uncontrollable. Bed bugs, lice, and mites (scabies) can lead to a long-lasting itch. 

Itch relief

The dermatologist may prescribe the following for the treatment of bed bug bites:

Allergic reaction: Certain people may need an injection of a corticosteroid, antihistamine, or epinephrine (adrenaline) for a severe allergic response. 

Infection: Antibiotics may be necessary to treat an infection. In case the infection is mild, the dermatologist may recommend an antiseptic medication that can be bought over the counter. 

Itch: It may be helpful to use a prescription pill or liquid. 

3. Itchy skin condition

The long list of skin conditions that can cause an intense itch includes the following: 

• Chickenpox
• Atopic dermatitis
• Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
• Neurodermatitis
• Ringworm
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Folliculitis
• Hives
• Psoriasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Shingles

Itch relief

The patient must know the skin condition that they have to get relief, and a board certified dermatologists can offer the most accurate diagnosis.

Relieving the itch can be problematic if the patient has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.

4. Skin cancer

The only sign of skin cancer for many patients is a new or changing spot on their skin. At times, the spot may itch, and this may be the only reason that the patient notices the site.

Itch relief

The patient should consult a board certified dermatologist to understand if they have skin cancer. Treating skin cancer will eliminate the itch.

5. Warning sign of a disease inside the body

A persistent itch can indicate several conditions, including:

• Diabetes
• Blood disease
• HIV
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Overactive thyroid gland

Itch relief

Getting a correct diagnosis and treatment may offer relief from the itch. In general, a dermatologist plays a vital role in detecting these conditions as itching can be the only symptom. 

6. Allergic skin reaction

The skin can be allergic to various substances, one of the most common ones being nickel. Nickel is found in many everyday products. Products containing nickel include eyeglass frames, cell phones, jewelry, belt buckles, and zippers. Substances such as fragrances, shampoos, nail polish, cement, and latex could also have allergens. 

Itch relief

The patient must understand what is causing their allergy to stop touching or using the offending product or item. This can be difficult to determine and usually requires medical intervention from a dermatologist. 

If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.