I've had cold induced urticaria for 18 years. I don't get welts anymore, but if my skin gets cold, especially when I get wet, then I get extremely itchy, very red skin. The only thing that helps are antihistamines or warmth (like a warm wheat bag). Early mornings and night times are worst even on … Read more

Years ago, I got very badly sunburnt on my upper back, and ended up with little blisters. These then merged together to form bigger blisters up to 1cm in size. Then they got filled with puss and became infected. I had to bathe them in salt water. It was so painful that I had to … Read more

I also have the cold-induced urticaria. And I live in Massachusetts. Just getting into the car to drive anywhere in the winter can be enough to set it off. Or even a strong wind on a summer day can set it off. Still lucky its easier to manage than a water allergy.

Every year millions of us bemoan our allergies. We sniffle and wheeze through Hay Fever season, flee every cat we see and keep an EpiPen handy in case of accidental peanut consumption.




Most of the allergies we suffer are as common as pollen in the Spring, but there are … Read more