A woman with a rare allergy to cold temperatures has revealed how even a few minutes outside in chilly weather can leave her covered in painful, blistering hives.
Holly Rundle, 25, from London, Ontario, Canada, first noticed the bizarre reaction ten years ago but had no idea that she was suffering from a rare condition known as cold urticaria.
She initially blamed other factors for her hive-like symptoms, thinking it could be chemicals in swimming pools or reactions to certain fabrics, before finally discovering the true cause.
Holly explained: “It technically started in like 2014. It just started randomly when I was in high school, but at first, I would never have guessed that’s what I was allergic to.
“I always associated it with something else, like if I jumped into a pool, a cold pool, my whole body would be covered in hives.
“I was like, I must be allergic to whatever the cleaner uses in the pool.”
The allergy most severely affects her neck, hands, and legs, while areas like her stomach and back remain relatively unaffected unless she is exposed to extreme temperatures. The painful reaction begins within minutes of stepping outside, with her skin quickly turning bright red and breaking out in raised welts.
Confused by her worsening symptoms, Holly turned to a friend who was studying nursing for advice. Her friend suggested she could have cold urticaria, prompting her to seek medical help. A doctor later confirmed the diagnosis.
Cold urticaria is a rare condition where the skin reacts to cold temperatures with severe itching, redness, and swelling. While some people experience only mild discomfort, others can suffer from extreme reactions that impact their daily lives.
Holly was prescribed extra-strength allergy pills to help manage the condition, but she claims they have done little to ease her symptoms.
She explained: “It’s not the nicest. I looked a little bit crazy – it ruins photos in the summer, especially if we go swimming.
“It can be very severe on my hands as well as my legs and neck, that’s where it hurts the most and that’s where it happens the most.”
Even warm, humid conditions can sometimes trigger her allergy, making it unpredictable and difficult to manage.
She added: “Whatever little molecule in my body decided that it was going to attack itself when it changes temperatures essentially, like should dissipate in about seven years.
“But it’s been ten and it has no signs of stopping.”
Despite her struggles, Holly has learned to adapt to her condition, but she remains cautious whenever temperatures drop, knowing that a simple walk outside could leave her in agony.