Risk factors

You're more likely to have this condition if:

You're a young adult. The most common type — primary acquired cold urticaria — occurs most
frequently in young adults.

You have an underlying health condition. A less common type — secondary acquired cold urticaria —
can be caused by an underlying health problem, such as hepatitis or cancer.

You have certain inherited traits. Rarely, cold urticaria is inherited. This familial type causes painful welts
and flu-like symptoms after exposure to cold.

Complications

The main possible complication of cold urticaria is a severe reaction that occurs after exposing large
areas of skin to cold, for example, by swimming in cold water.

Prevention

The following tips may help prevent a recurrent episode of cold urticaria:

Take an over-the-counter antihistamine before cold exposure.

Take medications as prescribed.

Protect your skin from the cold or sudden changes in temperature. If you're going swimming, dip your
hand in the water first and see if you experience a skin reaction.

Avoid ice-cold drinks and food to prevent swelling of your throat.

If your doctor prescribed an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others), keep it with you to help
prevent serious reactions.

If you're scheduled for surgery, talk with your surgeon beforehand about your cold urticaria. The surgical
team can take steps to help prevent cold-induced symptoms in the operating room.