Cold dermatitis - causes, symptoms, treatment of the disease

12/04/2015 For many people, cold is one of the most unusual factors that can lead to the development of allergies. Just a few years ago, doctors did not attach serious importance to this problem, but recently the situation has changed dramatically. As practice has shown, literally every third person experiences one or another allergic reaction to exposure to low temperatures. In particularly advanced situations, they manifest themselves in the form of anaphylactic shock, asthma or fainting. To avoid all the dangers associated with cold allergies, you need to know the “enemy” by sight.

Causes of cold dermatitis

The main cause of cold dermatitis is prolonged exposure to low temperatures on exposed skin. A spasm of the capillaries occurs, as a result of which the blood supply to the upper layers of the dermis is disrupted, causing an inflammatory process.

People who have dry skin or a lack of natural fat layer are also at risk.

In addition, at low temperatures, proteins are formed that are part of the cellular structure of the skin; proteins activate the development of histamine (an organic compound, an endogenous factor in the development of allergies), which causes skin manifestations, but these compounds are not stable; when warmed, the protein disintegrates.

The reasons that may contribute to the development of the initial stage of frosty (cold) dermatitis have been identified:

1. A genetic factor is a predisposition, the presence of allergies in one or both parents, which can cause the child to develop the disease or be sensitive to it.
2. Tendency to allergic manifestations.
3. External influence of toxic substances can very rarely become the cause.
4. Avitaminosis.
5. Reduced immunity.

There is a version that cold dermatitis is a complication of other diseases of internal organs or diseases of an autoimmune nature.

What is cold allergy and why does it occur?

This pathology, in its essence, is an inadequate response of the immune system to the effects of low ambient temperature or water. For what reason such changes occur is currently not known for certain. Some scientists suggest that cryoglobulins, special proteins that are produced in the cold and activate histamine, thus triggering a cascade of allergic reactions, play an important role in the mechanism of the allergic reaction.

The foundation for this pathological process is various somatic pathologies: chronic diseases of the respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems, infectious and parasitic diseases. An extremely important role is played by disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract due to intestinal dysbiosis, gastritis, cholecystitis, enterocolitis, etc. In principle, almost any long-term health disorder can provoke an allergic reaction.

Symptoms of cold dermatitis

There are a number of characteristic symptoms for cold dermatitis:

• The formation of scarlet/pink/burgundy/cyanotic spots, the size can reach five centimeters, most often occur on areas of the skin that have not been hidden from exposure to low temperatures;
• The spots peel and crack;
• Itching, burning, feeling of skin tightness in areas where dermatitis occurs;
• Rhinitis, conjunctivitis (non-infectious etiology), sneezing;
• The skin is inflamed, tissue swelling is noted;
• Rash similar to hives (blisters like insect bites);
• There may be a deterioration in the general condition, as with acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections;
• Very rarely, Quincke's edema, bronchospasm, and short-term loss of consciousness may occur; this is considered a complication; these manifestations can occur in people with immunodeficiency or prone to frequent allergic reactions.

The spots can be localized on any part of the body. It often appears on the face, due to the poor protection of this part of the body from exposure to cold temperatures. Cold dermatitis on the face appears quickly, in the form of bluish spots and a feeling of dry skin; with further exposure to cold, a rash may appear; when warmed up, they go away, and the skin acquires a pale tint.

Even children are susceptible to cold dermatitis. The main signs of frost dermatitis in children are the appearance of pink itchy blisters on exposed areas of the body, which may appear after warming up. There is a loss of strength, the development of conjunctivitis and rhinitis.

Cold dermatitis - what is it and how to treat it?

For some people, winter becomes a real challenge. And with the onset of cold weather, clients come to see a cosmetologist complaining of red, flaky spots that appear on the face and hands. Perhaps these are manifestations of cold dermatitis.

Cold dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that develops in response to exposure to low temperatures.
It is manifested by the appearance of red spots, accompanied by itching and a burning sensation. In the future, peeling appears, cracks and small rashes may form. Typical localization is open areas of skin: face, neck, ears, hands; somewhat less frequently - knees and inner thighs. Sometimes this dermatitis is accompanied by sneezing, watery nasal discharge (cold rhinitis) and watery eyes (cold conjunctivitis). The causes of cold dermatitis are not fully understood. There are currently three main theories:

• In some people, when the skin temperature drops, the structure of special proteins - cryoglobulins - changes. The resulting compounds activate the production of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which leads to the development of cold dermatitis.

• When exposed to cold, a spasm of peripheral capillaries develops with impaired trophism and the development of inflammation.

• Insufficient sebum production, leading to increased transdermal water loss and disruption of skin barrier functions. As a result, cell death and the development of aseptic inflammation occur.

Diseases that affect changes in immune status contribute to the development of

• Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (peptic ulcer, dysbacteriosis, hepatitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, etc.)

• Foci of chronic infection in the ENT organs (chronic sinusitis, tonsillitis, etc.)

• Inflammatory processes of the genitourinary area (cystitis, pyelonephritis, vaginitis, etc.)

Diagnosis of cold dermatitis and its differences from other dermatitis:

• A patient interview is of great importance, in which it is possible to identify the connection between the appearance of dermatitis and exposure to low temperatures. Sometimes this is not only a long stay in the cold, but also washing your hands with cold water, a cold shower, etc.

• Cold test. An ice cube is applied to the skin, usually in the forearm area, for 5 minutes. With cold dermatitis, redness and possibly a vesicular rash appear within 10-15 minutes. However, a negative test result does not always guarantee the absence of the disease.

• Dermatoscopy and pH-metry of the skin will help to more accurately determine the nature of changes in the skin.

If cold dermatitis is suspected, consultation with a gastroenterologist and ENT doctor is indicated.

Treatment and prevention of cold dermatitis:

• Protecting the skin from exposure to cold: warm clothes, gloves, scarves, hats. It is mandatory to use a protective cream, applied 30 minutes before going outside. Use only warm water, avoid very cold drinks and ice cream.

• Eliminate dry skin: use indoor humidifiers and daily skin care using special cosmetics.

• If necessary, treatment of concomitant diseases.

• Antihistamines (cetirizine, Lomilan, Erius, etc.) and vitamins (ascorutin, Aevit, etc.) are prescribed internally. In case of severe manifestations, it is necessary to take vascular agents (pentoxifylline, trental, etc.). Fenistil gel, bipanten, and radevit are used externally. If there is no effect, use topical medications with corticosteroids and calcineurin blockers.

• Proper daily skin care is of great importance. Cleansing with mild cosmetics and warm water, avoiding scrubs. The use of professional cosmetics that can quickly restore the water balance and barrier functions of the skin, having a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. It is mandatory to protect your skin before going outside.

Light soothing cream from EGIA is suitable for the correction, prevention and elimination of the consequences of cold dermatitis. The cream has a pronounced calming and anti-inflammatory effect and does not contain components that irritate the skin. Daily use of the cream will help quickly restore the hydrolipid mantle and improve the barrier functions of the skin, and the light texture will be comfortable for any skin type. The cream can be used for dry, flaky lips. Well, restoring cream applied 30 minutes before going outside will help protect your skin from the cold.

Comfort Soothing Cream and Intensive Repair Cream

Cold dermatitis on hands

Due to the anatomical position of the hands (fingers pointing down), there is an obstacle to the outflow of blood, and the hands are less well supplied with blood. Since hands are washed frequently, the natural oil layer is washed away, which makes them sensitive and vulnerable. All this contributes to the manifestation of dermatitis more often on the hands than on other parts of the body.

Lesions appear on the back of the hands, manifesting themselves with characteristic symptoms, which are accompanied by severe pain, itching and burning; over time, crusts form, and the lesions become very flaky.

You can see what cold dermatitis on your hands looks like in the photo section.

Treatment

At the initial stage, it is necessary to restore the tissue temperature of the damaged HD zones. External warming is not performed forcefully with the simultaneous implementation of general therapy.

Damaged areas are treated with an antiseptic, and heat-insulating cotton-gauze bandages are applied to them. Individual areas can be treated using baths with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, starting at 20°C and gradually increasing its temperature to 30-35°C.

In severe cases, systemic therapy is indicated using antispasmodics, painkillers and antihistamines, as well as external use of glucocorticoids.

Treatment of cold dermatitis

Before starting treatment, it is imperative to carry out a diagnosis, since cold dermatitis has similar symptoms to other diseases - allergic urticaria, chicken pox, atopic dermatitis. The doctor uses the following diagnostic methods:

• Dermatoscopy is a device for tenfold magnification and study of tumors.
• Measuring the pH level - to exclude a fungal or bacterial infection, and determine what caused the development of dermatitis.
• General blood and urine analysis.

Additionally, additional examinations may be prescribed - ultrasound, smear, gastroscopy. It is quite difficult to establish a diagnosis on your own, so it is recommended to visit a dermatologist; the doctor, based on the tests obtained, will prescribe a treatment regimen taking into account the characteristics of the patient’s body.

The main treatment is to protect the skin from exposure to low temperatures and complex treatment aimed at:

• Relieving symptoms - often antihistamines (tablets or ointments) eliminate itching, swelling and redness of tissues;
• Retinoids - to heal formed cracks, accelerate tissue regeneration and normalize the functionality of dermal cells (gels, creams);
• Vitamin complexes - to boost immunity;
• Prebiotics – to eliminate dysbiosis;
• Cosmetics for skin care and protection from negative factors.

Self-prescribing and taking medications is unacceptable; any medications should be prescribed only by a doctor, this will avoid negative consequences.

Treatment of allergies to cold

Treatment regimens for cold allergies are similar to those for true allergies, and they come down mainly to preventive measures. Prevention, by and large, is aimed at preventing an allergic reaction by eliminating contact with the provoking factor - cold. Medications only help relieve symptoms.

Patients prone to this pathology should give preference to clothing made from natural fabrics and try to avoid hypothermia. If this fails in some situations, you should try to warm up immediately upon arriving home. Be sure to moisturize your lips with a special hygienic lipstick. If lacrimation and runny nose appear, you need to periodically massage your nose and cheeks.

In addition, it must be emphasized that any allergy, including allergy to cold, very often appears against the background of any chronic pathologies accompanied by decreased immunity and frequent stress, which also requires adequate preventive measures. If signs of a cold allergy appear, you should seek help from an allergist as soon as possible.

Treatment of cold dermatitis with folk remedies

In folk (alternative) medicine, there are many recipes to combat many skin pathologies. Ointments, tinctures, lotions or decoctions are made based on herbs or other natural ingredients. Almost all of these remedies are ineffective against cold dermatitis, and are sometimes dangerous, especially when treating children. The possibility of using any folk remedy as an addition to the main drug treatment should be discussed with your doctor.

Only the attending physician can advise the remedy and the advisability of its use.

Diagnostics

In HD diagnostics, the main attention is paid to clinical signs, collection of anamnestic information, study of patient complaints and their physical examination.
Anamnesis data allows us to confirm or refute the connection between the occurrence of CD lesions and the influence of NVT. Simple HD pathology is characterized by local cutaneous lesions in the area of ​​influence of the NVT factor. This is primarily the skin surface of the cheeks, nose, ears, as well as fingers and toes.

The difference between the allergenic HD form is the presence of a latent period preceding the onset of symptoms, the spread of the pathological process beyond the areas of direct exposure to the exogenous cold factor.

If difficulties arise in making a diagnosis, a number of collegial consultations with a dermatologist, allergist, and immunologist are encouraged.

Prevention of cold dermatitis

It is impossible to completely protect yourself and avoid the occurrence of cold dermatitis, but by following simple rules you can minimize the risk of developing the disease:

• During the cold season, especially during strong winds, use cosmetics aimed at protecting the skin. It is not advisable to use moisturizers, as this can cause dry skin and flaking.
• Protect your skin - use gloves, wide scarves, and a hat.
• Minimize contact with cold water, do not drink cold drinks, and avoid ice cream in winter.
• In residential areas, maintain the required air humidity.
• Take vitamin complexes and eat a balanced diet to avoid vitamin deficiency and support immunity during periods of exacerbation of respiratory diseases, especially in the autumn-spring period.
• Pay attention to the functioning of the stomach and intestines; if there are any malfunctions in the functioning of these organs, contact a specialist to eliminate complaints.
• Eliminate sources of allergies - food, synthetic clothing, detergents, household chemicals, and, if possible, select hypoallergenic medications.
• Hardening is acceptable for cold dermatitis, and an effective way to combat it.
• Contrast shower is a training for blood vessels, increases their resistance and elasticity.
• Do not ignore any diseases and treat them completely, following the advice of your doctor.

Cold dermatitis is a dangerous disease, so if you notice characteristic signs, you should consult a doctor; timely treatment is the key to a speedy recovery.

Diet for cold dermatitis

Poor nutrition, stomach and intestinal diseases are a common cause of the development of cold dermatitis. To get rid of the disease and prevent its recurrence, you should follow a diet and try to give up the following foods:

• Fast food and quick snack: chips, crackers, nuts, etc.;
• Citrus fruits often cause allergies;
• Store-bought juices and sweet sodas contain dyes and preservatives;
• Limit baked goods (especially rich ones);
• Chocolate, candy, cakes, honey;
• Any mushrooms;
• Seasonings;
• Store-bought sauces;
• Eggs are considered a strong allergen;
• Milk – many people are allergic to lactose;
• Seafood - except fish, whose meat is considered dietary;
• Fatty foods and fatty meats.

Can be used:

• Poultry meat – chicken, turkey;
• Dairy products;
• Greens – parsley/dill, etc.;
• Vegetables - zucchini, cabbage, and pumpkin are especially useful.
• Cereals.

Steam cooking is recommended. It is acceptable to add a small amount of olive oil and salt for taste.

By adhering to the basics of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, you can avoid many dermatological diseases or alleviate their course, avoiding complications.