As the winter season draws to a close, many continue to feel its icy grip. Beyond just icy sidewalks and frosted windshields, winter brings with it a less-known but severe condition that leaves sufferers with itchy, red welts. Medical professionals are now raising awareness about this condition, which flares up during the cold months.

Known as cold urticaria, this ailment affects approximately one in every 2,000 individuals. Exposure to cold air, water, or even air conditioning can cause the skin to swell and itch. Within minutes, red patches or hives appear, and the discomfort can persist for up to two hours.

Griet Voet, who leads a dermatology clinic in Ghent, Belgium, highlighted how this condition is often confused with other skin issues like eczema: “This isn’t just typical winter dry skin; it’s an actual allergic reaction to the cold,” she emphasized.

In more acute cases, vast areas of the body may be impacted, especially after swimming in chilly waters or prolonged exposure to the cold. This can result in intense itching, redness of the face, and even symptoms like headaches, stomach pains, and fainting.

Sudden changes in temperature, such as moving from a warm environment to the cold outdoors, can also provoke symptoms. Additionally, consuming icy drinks might lead to swelling in the lips, mouth, and throat.

Celia Azahara and her family suffer from this cold allergy due to a genetic anomaly. At 35, Celia has coped with this condition since her birth, making her all too familiar with its challenges.

Living with cold urticaria is not easy, but injections make it easier for her to cope — treatment she says has completely changed her life.

Other ways to manage the illness is by avoiding exposure to cold and dressing up warmly. While it is chronic for some, however, medical professionals say there are instances where symptoms fade over time, allowing them to live a normal life once more.