An Ayrshire health worker who is allergic to the cold has revealed how the rare condition could kill her.
Jacqueline Thompson, an Audiology Clerical Officer with NHS Ayrshire and Arran, was diagnosed with life-threating Cold Urticaria in 2018.
The condition – common in acute form but considered rare in chronic form – means that contact with anything below body temperature could be potentially fatal.
Jacqueline was diagnosed in late 2018 after experiencing some of the symptoms, such as skin hives in cold weather and when drinking cold liquids.
Now she is hoping to raise awareness of the condition, to help others identify it.
She said: “I have to check the weather and temperature every day before I leave the house, to make sure my skin is protected from the cold. It is a very difficult condition to live.
"Currently I take three antihistamines a day and carry two epipens in case I go into anaphylaxis.
“I carry a note from my GP with specific medical care instructions, and wear a medical alert bracelet.
“If I need an injection or an IV they must be administered warm.
“I am trying to raise awareness so others know the symptoms to look out for. I also want to ensure others with the condition know there is support out there.”
For more information about this condition, visit www.coldallergy.org
