What Causes Itching Redness On Skin When Exposed To Cold Air?

Posted on Wed, 3 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 3 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : For the past few months every time i go outside in the cold air, my hands, arms, face in fact any part which is exposed to the cold gets red and itchy.

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Appears to be cold urticaria

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Redness and itching on parts exposed to cold could be due to cold urticaria.
2. Keeping an ice cube, over a part, and if it happens again, then it if confirmed it is cold urticaria.
3. At this age, further evaluation is needed for evaluation of viral hepatitis, or cancers like chronic lymphocytic leukemia, etc. A blood workup is essential. Rarely, no cause can be identified.
4. For present comfort, staying warm is very important. Unless underlying cause is identified and treated, difficult to cure. Cyproheptadine or doxepin medication will help in controlling the symptoms. You will require prescription for the medications.

Do meet your doctor for tests and prescription.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar