Living with Cold Urticaria (CU) — an allergy to the cold — is something I never imagined would shape my professional life. But this rare condition, which many have never heard of, has become a central factor in how I plan my days, manage my energy, and even communicate with others at work.
What Is Cold Urticaria?
Cold Urticaria is a condition where exposure to cold temperatures triggers an allergic reaction. For me, it’s not just a few hives after walking outside without gloves. It’s systemic. It affects my skin, my sinuses, my breathing, my ability to eat or drink, and ultimately, my ability to work comfortably — especially in environments that most people would consider perfectly normal.
The Physical Reality
External reactions: The most visible symptom I experience is hives — raised, itchy welts that appear within minutes of being in cold air, touching cold objects, or entering a chilly room. My hands, face, legs — any exposed skin — can flare up quickly. Whatever section of my body that was exposed to the cold gets red and, after a few minutes, itches or burns like fire. A cool breeze, cold car seat, or even washing my hands in water that is not warm enough can cause a reaction.
Internal reactions: What most people don’t see — and what’s harder to explain — is how the cold affects me internally. Breathing in cold air feels like I’m inhaling needles. The cold air goes into my sinuses, all the way to my ears and forehead which causes earaches and headaches. Cold drinks and foods burn my mouth and throat. It’s not refreshing — it’s painful. I can’t eat raw vegetables for days after I eat cold cheese or yogurt. I also get dizziness and fatigue, often because my body is working hard to regulate itself and fight off what it sees as a threat.
How This Affects My Work
Whether I’m working at my school, leading meetings, walking from work to home, or just sitting in a cool office, CU impacts how I show up. Some of the challenges include:
- Avoiding cold environments: I often have to dress in layers year-round, even in summer (hello, air conditioning), and use a space heater or avoid sitting near vents. I usually wear three layers of scarves when I go out from October to May. Any temperature below 15 degrees Celsius is too cold for me.
- Energy drain: My immune system is in overdrive after even short exposures. That means I can feel exhausted after what looks like a normal day of work.
- Changes in routine: I have to plan my schedule around the weather, check the temperature of every drink or food, and sometimes decline events that put me at risk of a reaction. If I want to eat fresh salad or raw vegetables, I have to leave them out on the counter at least three hours before eating them.
It’s not always easy to explain why something as ordinary as a cold drink or a windy day can derail my productivity — but that’s the reality of living with this condition.
Tips for Living (and Working) with Cold Urticaria
If you have CU or think you might, here are some strategies that help me cope:
1. Plan Ahead for Weather and Environments
Check the forecast (especially the wind factor), know the indoor temperature of your workplace, and always have layers on hand. Scarves, gloves, thermal socks, and even pocket hand warmers can be game changers.
2. Communicate Your Needs
Be clear (and unapologetic) about your condition with your colleagues and leadership. Asking for a warmer meeting space or avoiding certain duties isn’t complaining — it’s advocating for your health. For me, this meant taking off the side arms on my office chair because the cold metal was making me react.
3. Stay Warm — Inside and Out
Avoid cold drinks and foods, even in summer. Bring your own meals if needed. I find that a warm soup for lunch works best for me. For indoor air, use a desk heater or ask to sit away from cold drafts. For breathing in cold air, wear a thermal mask or scarf to warm the air before it hits your lungs.
4. Build Recovery Time into Your Day
Exposure can take a toll. Give yourself space to rest, hydrate, and recover after any exposure — even if you’ve taken precautions.
5. Track Symptoms
Keeping a journal or using a health app can help you notice patterns and triggers. You might discover that certain temperatures, times of day, or environments affect you more than others.
6. Consult an Allergy Specialist
Getting a proper diagnosis from an allergy specialist was a turning point for me. It confirmed what I was experiencing and opened the door to treatment options. Since then, I’ve been taking Blexten daily to help manage my symptoms — and it’s made a noticeable difference.
Someone you love has CU? Here are gift ideas for someone with Cold Urticaria:
Wearables & Accessories
- Touchscreen gloves (so they don’t have to take them off to use their phone)
- Fleece-lined leggings or joggers
- Heated vests or heated hoodies (battery-operated)
- Neck warmers / fleece gaiters
- Wool slippers or indoor booties with rubber soles
- Battery-operated heated socks (these are a must!)
Home Comfort Essentials
- Electric hot water bottle or microwaveable heat packs
- Space heater (small, quiet, and portable for under desks or work areas)
- Humidifier with warm mist (dry cold air can worsen symptoms)
- Weighted blanket with heat for calming rest
- Fuzzy robes or thermal pajamas
- Smart thermostat (great for controlling indoor temps easily)
Food & Drink Warmers
- Mug warmer for desks
- Soup thermos (great for lunches on cold days)
- Subscription to a tea or hot chocolate club
- Electric lunch box or food warmer
On-the-Go Items
- Heated seat cushion for the car
- Thermal tote bag to carry warm food
- Insulated travel slippers for long trips or cold floors
For Rest, Support & Education
- Books on living with chronic or rare conditions
- Journal or guided wellness planner
- Gift card for cozy online shops (going in and out of stores is a trigger especially in the winter)
Living With It, Not Just Surviving It
Cold Urticaria can feel like an invisible disability — but it’s real. And while I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, I’ve learned that adapting to this condition has made me more intentional about how I care for myself and how I balance work with wellness. I’m also incredibly grateful to be a certified translator, which means I’ll have the flexibility to work remotely from a warmer climate once I retire from my role as a school principal. My dream is to spend winters in places like Costa Rica, Florida, or the south of France — anywhere I can escape the bitter cold. Living with CU in Northeastern Ontario is more than uncomfortable — it’s physically draining. Warmer seasons feel like a relief, and I look forward to eventually building a lifestyle that supports my health year-round. If you’re navigating CU, know that you’re not alone. And if you’re working with someone who has it, a little empathy and warmth — literally and figuratively — can make all the difference.
Written with the support of ChatGPT by OpenAI to help shape and clarify my ideas.