Feeling Cold and Itchy? Watch Out for Cold-Related Illnesses This Winter

As temperatures plummet during the cold winter months, it is crucial to be cautious of ‘cold-related illnesses.’ These are conditions that can inflict harm on our bodies, directly caused by the cold. Over the past five years, more than 2,000 cases of cold-related illnesses have been reported. Let’s delve into the different types of cold-related illnesses and learn about prevention methods and lifestyle guidelines.

 

Cold-related illnesses caused by the cold

Cold-related illnesses are conditions that occur in our bodies due to the direct influence of the cold. If you are not acclimatized to the cold, the risk of cold-related illnesses increases. It is essential to be particularly cautious in preparation for sudden cold snaps. The representative illnesses include hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains, and cold urticaria, which you may have heard of in your surroundings.

 

The severity of hypothermia

Our bodies cool down by expanding skin blood vessels to release sweat and heat when it’s hot. Conversely, when it’s cold, the body warms up by contracting blood vessels and producing heat through muscle shivering. However, if the body is exposed to a cold environment for an extended period, this defense mechanism can be suppressed, causing a drop in body temperature. This condition, where the body temperature falls below a certain range, is called hypothermia. If hypothermia persists, it can slow down the functions of the circulatory system, respiration, and the nervous system, and in severe cases, it can even lead to death.

 

High-risk groups for hypothermia

Those at risk of hypothermia include the elderly and homeless who may not have adequate food, clothing, and heating, people who spend long hours outdoors such as hikers, people who overdrink or misuse alcohol and drugs, and babies exposed to cold environments. It is particularly important for the elderly and children, who are more vulnerable to maintaining body temperature than adults, to pay more attention to keeping warm.

 

Watch out for frostbite and chilblains!

Frostbite is a skin condition caused by cold exposure, where tissue damage occurs in the skin. It refers to the state where the soft tissue of the skin on the extremities like fingers and toes, the back of the hands, and the top of the feet freeze, and there is no blood supply. It often occurs in the fingers, toes, and face, which are easily exposed to cold weather. Chilblains, similar to frostbite, are characterized by numbness and itching caused by prolonged exposure to mild cold, causing vascular paralysis. When you have frostbite or chilblains, it is good to give warm baths or hot packs.

 

In the case of chronic patients
Beware of cold-related illnesses

If you have underlying diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, you may be more vulnerable to maintaining body temperature, thus posing a higher risk for cold-related illnesses. Because the blood vessels contract in the cold, there is a high likelihood of already being damaged, and chronic patients need to be extra careful. If you find someone collapsed in cold weather, it is important to quickly take them to the hospital or report to 119, and move them to a warm place. If the person is conscious, a warm drink can be helpful.

 

Why does cold urticaria occur?

If you experience rashes and itching on various parts of your body after exposure to cold wind, without any particular reason, it could be ‘cold urticaria.’ Cold urticaria is a type of hives that occurs in response to cold air, cold water, or ice, and it commonly appears in young adults aged 18 to 25. The mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and intestines can swell, causing difficulty in breathing, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. Therefore, if you are aware of your condition, it is advised to carry medication with you.

 

What is the treatment for cold urticaria?

There is no definitive treatment for cold urticaria yet, and the best method is to alleviate symptoms by taking antihistamines. The symptoms usually disappear naturally after 5 to 10 years. However, if hives persist, it can lead to chronic hives, so caution is needed. It is best to avoid cold environments as much as possible. Also, care should be taken not to suddenly become warm after being exposed to the cold.

 

Primary acquired cold urticaria

In the case of primary urticaria, itching persists for about 30 minutes to an hour after a few minutes of cold stimulus. If the entire body is exposed to a cold temperature, hypotension, dizziness, and even shock can occur. It mainly occurs in children and young adults, and swelling can occur on the lips or tongue after drinking a cold beverage. People with these conditions should avoid behaviors such as suddenly entering cold water.

 

Secondary acquired cold urticaria

Secondary-acquired cold urticaria accounts for about 5% of patients, and the skin can turn red or purple, with symptoms lasting for more than 24 hours. In this case, as other diseases may be the cause, it is advisable to undergo a blood test along with it.

 

Prevention of cold-related illnesses
in everyday life

Enjoy light indoor exercises, ensure adequate hydration, eat balanced meals, maintain a proper indoor temperature and control indoor activities to prevent dryness, check the wind chill before going out and refrain from outdoor activities when the weather is cold, wear warm clothes such as gloves, scarves, hats, and masks when going out, and avoid strenuous exercise.
 

By. Shin Young Jeon