Cold causes more than goosebumps
By Laura Maxwell/ Staff Writer | October 22When the air starts to turn frosty, many people complain about cold weather and having to wrap up in jackets, scarves and gloves.For some, however, the fall and winter seasons bring about extreme physical discomfort.These people are actually allergic to the cold, an illness known as cold urticaria, or "cold-induced hives.""It is usually an itchy, transient skin reaction caused by release of histamine and other substances in response to exposure to cold temperatures," said Dr. Fred Kam, medical director for Auburn University Medical Clinic.Physically induced forms of urticaria are manifested when a person comes in contact with something in the environment, such as heat, sun, water or, in this case, cold.According to a report done by the National Organization for Rare Disorders, "Cold urticaria may be diagnosed by placing an ice cube on the skin of the subject's forearm for about four or five minutes.A positive response is indicated by the appearance of a 'hive' in the shape of the ice cube, within 10 minutes after the stimulus is removed.Hirsh Komarow, a staff clinician in the laboratory of allergic diseases for the National Institute of Health, explained hives show up in the area of exposure.