Meet Kirsten Evans, the mum who dreads winter like no other. Why? Because she’s allergic to the cold! Yes, you read that right. Just a stroll down the supermarket’s freezer aisle or a few minutes outside in chilly weather leaves her with painful, itchy hives all over her face and body. Imagine living with this rare condition, known as cold urticaria, where even a simple school run can trigger a flare-up!
Kirsten, 41, from Hednesford, Staffordshire, first noticed her condition last February when her skin started reacting to cold temperatures. It’s been a whirlwind since, with her symptoms escalating, leading her to seek medical advice. Doctors have pinned down the cause of her reactions to an autoimmune disease affecting her thyroid.
Braving the cold for everyday things like family walks or shopping trips has become a challenge for Kirsten. To manage her symptoms, she now relies on multiple antihistamines and carries an epi-pen wherever she goes.
Despite these hurdles, Kirsten hasn’t let her condition completely hold her back. She’s sharing her journey on TikTok, where she bravely shows how her body reacts to the cold – swollen and red skin – hoping to raise awareness and connect with others facing similar battles.
For Kirsten, stepping outdoors this winter isn’t as simple as wrapping up warm. It involves a careful dance around her condition to avoid the pain and discomfort that follows exposure to the cold. But with determination in her heart and her family’s support, she’s optimistic about finding a better treatment plan in the future.
If you or anyone you know experiences unusual reactions to cold, don’t hesitate to consult a GP. It could be cold urticaria, and early diagnosis can help manage the symptoms better. Here’s to Kirsten and everyone else battling the cold – you’re not alone in this! 🌬️❄️