My husband was just diagnosed with cold urticaria. It came of very suddenly, and he’s 31 years old. I’ve read that eliminating foods can sometimes solve the problem. He’s going to be tested for celiac and then we’re going to start a gluten-free diet to see what happens.
He’s very depressed. He can’t play with our kids outside… Go swimming… Or even drink a cool drink. He was given an epi pen in case of anaphylaxis but so far he has only had hives, itching and mild swelling in his hands. Is there hope that a dietary change could correct this?
My daughter just wants to build a snowman with her dad.
-Woefulwife
Hivesguy says
I’m very sorry to hear about your husband’s cold urticaria, as well as the tough time he’s having with it. It is quite normal to go through depression with these physical urticaria disorders. I had cholinergic urticaria very badly for over a decade on and off.
However, there is hope, and your husband can overcome his hives in time. He may have to try a lot of different things, but I believe he can improve them to the point of them no longer being a major issue in his life.
Diet helped me, as well as a few other things I do. It took about 3-5 weeks to notice the effects. I believe many of the physical urticaria disorders have similarities and possibly even similar causes. Some people have both cholinergic and cold urticaria. I’m not sure if diet has helped anyone with cold urticaria, but I think it is worth examining and trying.
In either case, I certainly hope your husband feels better soon. He’s not alone in his struggles–a lot of people have these physical urticaria disorders.