Cold urticaria and heat urticaria

Identifying the cause of hives can be a relief. However avoiding everyday temperature triggers can be very challenging.

Chronic inducible urticaria can be caused by a range of factors including temperature. Cold-induced urticaria usually lasts 1-2 hours and only affects the area of skin exposed to cold. Symptoms may get worse as the exposed area is warmed.¹

Heat-induced urticaria can appear in two forms. The first is where hives appear only on the area of skin that is exposed to heat. The second type is called cholinergic urticaria and occurs when the body temperature rises. It can be triggered by exercise, sweating, hot showers or baths. As with cold urticaria, the hives tend to be short-lived.¹

Cold urticaria and heat urticaria involves avoiding or reducing exposure to heat or cold where possible.

 

Photo of cold urticaria. Image used with permission from DermNet NZ.

 

Photo of cholinergic (heat) urticaria. Image used with permission from DermNet NZ.

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