Surely everyone knows what an allergy is, and many have experienced its unpleasant manifestations. Recently, allergic reactions to food, household chemicals, plants, dust - is not uncommon, which is partly due to unfavorable environmental conditions and the widespread use of chemicals.
But is there an allergy to such a factor as cold? This issue has been a long time in dispute among specialists. After all, in itself cold air, water, ice, etc. do not contain allergy substances. However, there is still an allergy to cold, although it is rare enough.
Causes of cold allergy
Most experts believe that some people with a genetic predisposition, under the influence of low temperatures in the skin formed a special protein - cryoglobulin. It begins to be perceived by the body as a foreign agent, an aggressor protein, and is attacked by cells of the immune system. As a result, an inflammatory reaction develops, which can affect various tissues and organs.
There is also another theory regarding the development of allergic manifestations under the influence of cold. It is based on the fact that cryoglobulins are not always found in the blood during the height of clinical symptoms developing after contact with low temperatures. This suggests that these manifestations are not caused by these proteins. However, what substances can still trigger an inflammatory process in such cases is not yet known.
It is also believed that an allergy to cold develops more often if there are such factors:
- propensity to allergic reactions ;
- decreased barrier functions of the skin;
- infectious processes in the body;
- chronic diseases, helminthic invasion of the body.
How does the cold allergy manifest?
Symptoms of cold allergy may appear in such cases:
- the sudden movement of a person from a medium with a normal air temperature into a medium with cold air;
- when in contact with cold water (for example, when washing hands, swimming in a pond);
- when using cold drinks or food.
There are the following manifestations of this type of allergy:
- skin symptoms (redness, rash, itchy skin and burning sensation) - most often with allergy to cold, these manifestations are observed on the hands, face, neck, which are the most exposed to the effects of cold;
- edema, which can affect the eyelids, lips, cheeks, mucous membranes; while swollen tissues are hard to touch, rarely change in color;
- redness and itching of the eyes, increased lacrimation;
- hoarseness of voice, dyspnea;
- headache, dizziness;
- loss of consciousness;
- convulsions, etc.
How to treat allergy to cold?
To make a diagnosis, a specialist may need to conduct a provocative test with an ice cube. For this, ice is applied to the skin of the hand for a short time. If there is redness - the likelihood of a cold allergy is high. A number of laboratory studies are also conducted, among them:
- general and biochemical blood test ;
- general urine analysis;
- detection of lymphocytes sensitized to cryoglobulin;
- skin tests.
Treatment of allergy to cold should begin with the maximum limit of contacts with low temperatures. In cold weather, it is necessary to protect the skin with warm clothing and protective creams, preferably through a scarf or other warm cloth. A hypoallergenic diet is also recommended.
From medicamentous remedies, as a rule, antihistamines are used in tablet form, as well as corticosteroid ointments. In more severe cases, bronchodilators and adrenomimetics may be prescribed.