Localized cold urticaria to the face in a pediatric patient: a case report and literature review

Pediatr Dermatol. 2010 May-Jun;27(3):266-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2010.01134.x.

Abstract

We present a curious case of localized cold urticaria restricted to the face in a 10-year-old girl. Testing for the condition using an ice cube was positive only in the facial area. After 2 years, the patient continues to experience localized urticaria only on her face on cold exposure. A review of the available published medical literature on cold urticaria was performed using Ovid and PubMed databases. The literature search was not limited to the English language. Only three other cases of cold urticaria localized to the face were identified. Upon review of the published reports on cold urticaria and discussion of classification and diagnostic testing, we conclude that cold urticaria clearly is a rare and poorly understood entity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cetirizine / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Cold Temperature / adverse effects*
  • Cromolyn Sodium / therapeutic use
  • Cyproheptadine / therapeutic use
  • Face*
  • Female
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / therapeutic use
  • Loratadine / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Urticaria / classification
  • Urticaria / diagnosis*
  • Urticaria / drug therapy

Substances

  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Cyproheptadine
  • Loratadine
  • Cromolyn Sodium
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Cetirizine