The article discusses cold urticaria, a growing allergy to cold temperatures mainly affecting young adults but can occur at any age, with a significant percentage of cases arising without clear triggers.
Cold urticaria is a condition that arises unpredictably, predominantly affecting young individuals, but can manifest at any stage of life. According to research, this ailment is less common in children compared to adults, and it is notably more prevalent among women than men. The head of the Allergy Center at Vilnius City Clinical Hospital, Miglė Kuprienė, emphasizes that there is no universal 'critical temperature' that triggers this condition; instead, every individual has a unique thermal threshold.
Currently, cold urticaria is diagnosed in approximately 0.05% of the general population, yet it represents 5-10% of all chronic urticaria cases. Research indicates that symptoms often emerge before the age of 30 for more than half of those affected, with many individuals reporting the onset of their illness without identifiable causes. This suggests a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors that could be contributing to the increased prevalence.
The symptoms can vary greatly between individuals, with some experiencing reactions only under extreme cold, while others might react to milder conditions. The article highlights the necessity of understanding one’s own body and temperature nuances, suggesting that personalized assessments, including the ice test, may prove beneficial for determining cold sensitivity and informing management strategies for those affected by this disorder.
