Are Some People Allergic to Cold Weather?

28 ottobre 2025

2 min di lettura

For a long time, doctors did not consider cold allergies to be an independent disease, preferring to attribute the symptoms to contact with an allergen. In recent years, however, medicine has admitted that this disorder is possible, even in people who are not allergic.

Punti chiave

For a long time, doctors did not consider cold allergies to be an independent disease, preferring to attribute the symptoms to contact with an allergen.
What causes a cold allergy?
What are the main symptoms?

Per chi è

Chi esplora Allergy attraverso allergy, skin.

Perché è importante

Questo articolo ti aiuta a orientarti rapidamente, per poi passare a una raccolta o serie se vuoi continuare.

Autore dell'articolo

Dr. Natalie

Allergist-immunologist

What causes a cold allergy?

A cold allergy occurs not only at extremely low temperatures. It can also be caused by cold water (generally below 78.8°F), wind, low indoor temperature, or cold food, such as ice cream.

What are the main symptoms?

Cold allergies usually manifest as hives: red, swollen patches with a bright red outline appear on the skin, which turn pale when pressed and cause intense itching. The spots may be isolated or combined into one. Swelling will increase if not taken promptly. A feature of cold allergies is the rapidity of their manifestation: the first signs of critical swelling can occur in just several minutes.
A cold allergy sometimes manifests as eczema: the skin becomes red, swollen, and peeling, severe itching occurs, and cracks may form.
Cold allergies are especially dangerous on the mucous membranes, as they can lead to suffocation. The extreme degree is cold asthma.
Milder manifestations may be in the form of a profuse runny nose, conjunctivitis, or severe lacrimation.

How to handle it

In essence, cold allergies are the same allergies as food or contact allergies. Take antihistamines and try to avoid further issues such as hypothermia. If you have already experienced its symptoms, you should start a course of antihistamines a month before the cold season, avoid ice-cold food and drinks, and avoid cold showers.

Can allergies be a symptom of a disease?

Yes, especially in women in their 40s and 50s. If you suspect a cold allergy has developed after age 40, it is worth consulting with your doctor. Symptoms can indicate cancer processes, serious problems in the immune system, the development of chronic diseases (tonsillitis, sinusitis, maxillitis), parasitic infections, GI disorders, and problems with thyroid function.

How do I test for allergies?

The Duncan test is the best way to diagnose cold allergies. A piece of ice is placed on the skin for 3–5 minutes. In the case of allergy, redness, swelling and itching will appear. A general blood test will also provide information, as an elevated level of eosinophils can indicate a predisposition to allergies.

Can it be prevented?

There are measures you can take to help prevent this from happening. Gradually accustom your body to low temperatures, and take frequent walks in the fresh air. These are simple yet effective measures that significantly reduce the risk of cold allergies if it is not associated with related diseases.

Continua a leggere

Allergy#lactase intolerance

Lactase Deficiency or Allergy: Similar Symptoms, Different Nature

Lactase deficiency is often mistaken for an allergy to milk protein and vice versa. The confusion arises from the similarity of symptoms. But the nature of these pathologies is different: lactase deficiency is a digestive disorder, and milk allergy is an immune problem. Let's take a closer look at both of these—how they differ and what type of medical help to seek if necessary.

Dr. Angelique28 ott 2025

Allergy#allergy

What Is Pseudoallergy — And How Is It Different From Allergy?

Approximately half of the world's population live with allergies. Those who want to keep this disorder under control should know exactly if they actually have an allergy and what causes the reaction.

Dr. Madina28 ott 2025

Healthy lifestyle#health myths

How Often Should Bedding Be Changed?

Most people change their bedding (including sheets, pillowcases, and sometimes blankets) once every two to four weeks. Allergists and dermatologists say that it should be done more often than this. When should you do it, and how do you take care of your bedding in general?

Dr. Natalie28 ott 2025

Skin, nails, hair#skin

Why You Can’t Squeeze Pimples: 4 Important Reasons

Almost anyone's first reaction to a fresh pimple is to get rid of it. However, if you try this, you will only make it worse, and several new pimples will appear next to the old one.

Dr. Olga11 dic 2025

Installa Ornament non solo per leggere questi articoli, ma anche per monitorare la tua salute, archiviare i risultati degli esami e accedere ad altre funzioni utili

Installa Ornament