I'm allergic to cold - anything below 12C and I break out in hives
Woman Has Rare Cold Allergy. Most of Us Don't. Here's What We Can Learn.
What Happened
A woman experiences cold urticaria, a rare medical condition where exposure to temperatures below 12°C (54°F) causes her skin to break out in hives. The BBC featured her story as a human interest piece about living with this uncommon allergic reaction.
Historical Context
Cold urticaria affects roughly 0.05% of the population - about 1 in 2,000 people. It's been documented in medical literature since the 1800s. Most cases are idiopathic (unknown cause) and can sometimes resolve on their own over 5-10 years. The condition exists on a spectrum - some people react to ice water, others to moderately cool air. Many rare medical conditions get periodic media attention, but this doesn't indicate they're becoming more common.
What's In Your Control
• How much empathy you extend to people with invisible conditions
• Whether you use this as motivation for gratitude about your own health
• Your response when someone shares their medical struggles with you
• Whether you support research funding for rare diseases if that aligns with your values
Does This Require Action?
This requires *awareness*, not action - unless you suspect you have similar symptoms (consult a doctor) or want to learn about rare conditions. Permission granted: You don't need to worry about developing this condition, research cold allergies for hours, or feel guilty about taking your ability to enjoy winter for granted.
Source: BBC