Cold-induced urticaria: challenges in diagnosis and management

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Jul 8:2013:bcr2013010441. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-010441.

Abstract

Cold-induced urticaria (CU) is a chronic physical urticaria that can be hard to diagnose and manage. Symptoms of CU can vary from mild localised urticaria, angio-oedema to anaphylaxis. CU may be induced by a wide range of cold triggers from aquatic activities to ingestions of cold substances. This exemplifies the importance of accurate diagnosis and management of patients with CU. We present three cases of CU that demonstrate the variability in triggers and clinical presentation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cold Temperature / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Urticaria / diagnosis
  • Urticaria / etiology*
  • Urticaria / therapy