Contents
The skin is covered with red spots, should the thermometer drop below zero? Most likely, you are one of those who know firsthand what an allergy to cold is.
What is a cold allergy?
How does cold allergy manifest on the skin? Most often in the form of urticaria:
redden hands;
skin itches;
rashes may appear on the forearms.
In addition to erythema, when redness and itching occur in cold on open or poorly protected areas of the body, cold urticaria can manifest itself as:
cold dermatitis, when the skin is itchy and flaky;
cold rhinitis (a runny nose appears only in the cold and disappears in a warm room);
cold conjunctivitis (watery eyes in the cold or in the wind).
acquired cold allergy, it can begin at any age, although it is believed that children are more susceptible to it;
hereditary cold urticaria, passed down from generation to generation. Obviously, this is a genetic feature of the immune system, which was confirmed by studies by American scientists.
Rhinitis or reddening of the skin in the cold may seem like a trifle, but like any other allergy, cold can cause serious consequences up to anaphylaxis, American doctors are convinced.
Causes of cold allergy
Scientists and doctors are of the opinion that cold allergy is a symptom that accompanies a chronic disease. Unfortunately, the reasons for such a reaction of the body to cold have not yet been unequivocally established. There are several suggestions, for example, that the development of allergies is associated with the synthesis of special proteins that activate histamine, and he, in turn, triggers allergic reactions. The main culprit is frost, low temperatures.
What can trigger an allergy to cold air? If we are not talking about hereditary cold allergies, doctors suggest that triggers can be:
reduced immunity;
colds;
infectious diseases;
inflammatory processes;
food allergy;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
How cold allergy manifests itself: 5 main symptoms
How does cold allergy manifest itself? Everyone is different, but there are a few common symptoms.
In the cold, the skin itches, and indoors, these unpleasant sensations gradually cease.
Exposed and insufficiently protected areas of the skin turn red.
Blisters may appear.
There may be swelling, especially around the mouth and eyes.
Often there is nasal congestion and a runny nose, which disappears as soon as you find yourself warm.
On what parts of the body does such an allergy appear most often? Yes, almost all:
neck;
arms;
legs;
body.
How to self-diagnose an allergy to cold?
In general, a doctor should diagnose allergies, even to cold. However, you can try to independently conduct one simple test, which is also used by doctors around the world.
Place an ice cube on the crook of your elbow or on your wrist.
Sit like this for 10-15 minutes.
Then look at the reaction.
If there is redness, itching or swelling around the place where the ice was lying, you definitely have an allergy to the cold. Naturally, if discomfort occurs faster than after 10 minutes, the test should be stopped immediately and consult a doctor.
Skin care in winter
Since in winter the skin of many people changes its status to “sensitive”, then its care should be appropriate.
Do not forget about the golden rule: cleansing, toning, moisturizing.
Cleansing should be as soft and delicate as possible. Use foam or mousse for washing. Makeup should be removed with micellar water, milk or cleansing oil – whoever is more used to what.
Peeling on especially frosty days is better to postpone. But leaving the skin without exfoliation is also not worth it. We recommend using soft sponges or reusable cotton pads for washing.
Do not forget about the tonic, it will complete the stage of cleansing the skin and prepare it for further application of care products.
When choosing a moisturizing or nourishing cream, pay attention to the ingredients. Panthenol, allantoin, bisabolol, vitamins E and F are important allies for the skin in winter.
Even if you haven’t used foundation in the fall, now is the time to start. It effectively hides any defects and imperfections, in addition, it is an excellent “veil” for the face and an additional shield from the weather.
Apply the cream half an hour before leaving the house so that it has time to be absorbed.
If you are going for a long walk in the cold, do not ignore protective equipment.
Effective products for the skin in the cold season
Hyaluronic aloe cream, nourishing, Garnier
Cream with organic aloe vera is enriched with hyaluronic acid, easily spreads over the skin and quickly absorbed. Very comfortable to use. Aloe vera intensively moisturizes and softens, while hyaluronic acid prevents moisture loss. As a result, the skin becomes denser and softer.
Nourishing cream for very dry skin Nutritic Intense Riche, La Roche-Posay
The cream contains shea butter, among the main active ingredients – a new generation of MP-lipids. Despite the rather dense texture, the cream is easily and quickly absorbed, leaving a weightless, imperceptible protective film on the skin. At the same time, shea butter helps to restore the hydrolipid mantle of the skin, and MP lipids can influence the synthesis of a natural moisturizing factor.
Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, SkinCeuticals
The product is simultaneously nourishing, moisturizing and regenerating. It is suitable for owners of sensitive skin even in extreme conditions of low temperatures. The cream replenishes the supply of essential lipids, enhances the protective function of the skin and supports its ability to self-heal, correcting the signs of aging, increasing firmness, smoothness and elasticity. Returns radiance and reduces the appearance of pores.
Facial balm for very dry skin Aquasource Night Spa, Biotherm
Night facial balm cares for your skin while you sleep. The active ingredients in the composition of the product have a triple effect: intensively nourish, smooth, relieve swelling. In the morning, the skin looks radiant, fresh and hydrated. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
Soothing multi-repairing spray Sicaplast Baume B5, La Roche-Posay
The product is intended for adults and children, including infants. Suitable for body, face and lips. Helps to restore the skin, soothes, reduces the feeling of discomfort, and also enhances the protective function of the skin. Therefore, it can also be used as a caring agent after washing. It’s nice that the whole family can use it.
Home recipes
A thick mask for the face or hands will not be superfluous on especially frosty days.
Folk recipes are at the peak of popularity today – people want to take from nature all the most valuable and best. If you are an adept at hand-made cosmetics, you can try the following.
Bath from coniferous twigs
Blueberry compresses
If there are freshly frozen blueberries in the refrigerator, then after defrosting, rub them thoroughly and apply to places that bother itchy skin for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse and apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream.
How to protect your skin from frost
The only reliable way to avoid allergies to frost is to stay warm and not be exposed to temperature changes and cold. If you have to live in a cold climate, you should take some precautions.
Always choose clothes that are seasonal and opt for jackets and coats with hoods or high, closed collars. Be sure to wear a scarf and gloves.
It is desirable that the clothes under the coat or jacket be made of natural fabrics. Only if you are wearing a wool sweater, do not forget to wear a cotton T-shirt under it. Wool can also cause irritation. Just like synthetic fabrics and dyes.
Drink plenty of warm fluids before going outside.
If treatment is necessary, be sure to consult a doctor and do not neglect his recommendations.
Avoid dry air in your home. Buy a humidifier, ventilate the apartment more often.
Apply protective creams, balms, ointments before going outside. Remember to protect the delicate skin of your lips and hands.