Cold urticaria can be diagnosed by placing an ice cube on the skin for 5 minutes. If you have cold urticaria, a raised, red bump (hive) will form a few minutes after the ice cube is removed.
Most cases of cold urticaria occur in young adults and don't have an apparent underlying cause. It usually improves on its own within a few years.
In some cases, cold urticaria is caused by an underlying condition that affects the immune system, such as hepatitis or cancer. If your doctor suspects you have an underlying condition, you may need blood tests or other tests.
Nov. 21, 2014
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