Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Amber Woodward, a 16-year-old from Abergele in north Wales, has been living with a rare allergy known as cold urticaria since 2022. This condition causes her to break out in red, itchy hives and experience swelling whenever the temperature drops below 12°C (53°F). Even a brief gust of cool wind during summer can trigger a reaction. Because of this, Amber faces considerable challenges in her daily life, often feeling self-conscious and missing out on social activities with friends.
Cold urticaria is a condition where exposure to cold temperatures or cold substances prompts an allergic reaction. According to Anaphylaxis UK, this can be provoked by cold water activities like swimming, or even touching or consuming cold foods and drinks. The exact cause remains unknown, and the condition is known to be difficult to diagnose and manage due to the wide variation in symptoms among individuals. Amber’s mother, Dawn, describes being highly concerned about the condition, especially since there is no cure and severe cases can lead to anaphylactic shock.
Amber’s initial reaction took her by surprise and caused red bumps and itching all over her face, ears, limbs, and legs. At first, her GP suspected her skin was reacting to pollution and did not prescribe treatment. With nearly daily flare-ups, Amber began researching her symptoms on her own, leading to a referral to a dermatologist and a formal diagnosis in 2023. While she found comfort in having medical support and validation, her symptoms have yet to improve significantly, even with medication. Additionally, exposure to water, whether from swimming pools, showers, or the sea, causes similar outbreaks regardless of the temperature.
The condition has altered many aspects of Amber’s lifestyle. She frequently arrives at work and school with visible hives and has had to decline social invitations, especially for outdoor activities. “When I go out, I always have a reaction – I walk about 20 minutes to the bus stop and I get a reaction,” she explained. Planning social outings has become complicated, requiring them to be indoors to avoid triggering symptoms. Despite these difficulties, Amber remains hopeful: “I’m hoping there’s going to be a lot more research going into this and hopefully there’s more medication out there for me. I just want to be able to go about my everyday things that other people can do.”
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.