Dermatology · Immunology Oriental Medicine Treatment
Cold Urticaria · Cold-induced Urticaria · Cold Wind Allergy· Cold Urticaria
Incheon Songdo Baekrokdam Oriental Medicine Clinic
Sensitive skin reacting to cold air; you must build the strength to endure it, not just suppress it.
Does your skin flare up whenever you're exposed to cold wind, and does medication only provide temporary relief?If you are afraid of even the air conditioner breeze that others find refreshing, or if you are scared to touch cold water, this page may be the answer.
Cold urticaria is not just a skin problem; it's a state where our body's temperature regulation switch is broken. Baekrokdam finds the way to return that switch to normal.
Key disease information at a glance
- Other names
- Cold urticaria, cold wind allergy, Hanjin (寒疹)
- Hanja
- 寒冷蕁麻疹 (Cold + Cold + Urticaria)
- Classification
- Dermatology · Immune Korean medicine disease
- Main symptoms
- Wheals (swelling), itching, and erythema upon exposure to cold stimuli
- Features
- Symptoms tend to worsen when it gets warm again
- Diagnosis
- Ice cube test, abdominal palpation, pulse diagnosis, and medical interview
- Treatment
- Focused on immune-modulating herbal medicine (Baekrokdam focuses on herbal medicine treatment)
- General treatment period
- 3–4 months (Chronic or severe cases may take longer)
- 진료 방식
- 상태에 따라 대면·비대면 여부를 의료진이 판단
증상부터 생활관리까지
한랭두드러기의 세부 안내를 확인하세요
Frequently heard in the consultation room
Many patients visit with these descriptions
My limbs swell up just from being exposed to cold wind
Even after taking dermatology medication, it's only temporary and comes back
In the summer, I feel self-conscious because I get itchy as soon as the air conditioner is turned on
I get hives just from my hands touching cold water
Going outside in the winter is a nightmare
Antihistamines make me so drowsy that it's hard to go about my daily life
My whole body swells up after taking a cold shower
I work with frozen foods, and it's difficult because of my skin
I feel like my hives get worse when I'm stressed
I tried the ice cube test, and it swelled up immediately
If I stop the medication, it comes back right away the next day
My skin stings and itches so much that I can't sleep well
My immunity feels completely depleted; can my constitution be improved?
I often eat convenience store food and have irregular sleep patterns
My hands and feet tend to be cold; is that related to the hives?
I don't think treating just the surface of the skin will work
These are expressions often heard in the consultation room. If this sounds like you, it's worth suspecting cold urticaria.
Consult via non-face-to-face treatment →What is cold urticaria?
It is a condition where the skin becomes itchy and swollen when exposed to low temperatures such as cold air, cold water, or ice. It is different from simply 'feeling the cold,'물리적 자극에 의한 두드러기it is a type of.
In Korean medicine, this is referred to as 'Hanjin (寒疹)'is what it's called. It is viewed as external cold energy (Hansa, 寒邪) invading the skin through weakened defenses, obstructing the circulation of Qi and blood, and causing an inflammatory response.
A unique point is that rather than when receiving the cold stimulus,symptoms often worsen when the body warms up again.this is because constricted blood vessels rapidly dilate, causing a surge of histamine, at which point patients experience extreme itching and pain.
In severe cases, exposure of the whole body to cold water can lead to anaphylactic shock, causing a drop in blood pressure or difficulty breathing, so it is by no means a condition to be taken lightly.
In terms of Western medical diagnosis,It is called Cold Urticaria (Cold Urticaria)**, and it is often confirmed through an ice cube test, where ice is applied to the skin.
Cold urticaria is not just due to the weather.Various reasons why my body's defense system has collapsed are overlapping.
한랭두드러기 주요 원인, 어떻게 누적되는가
- 1 Deficiency of Yang energy in the body
A state where the energy that keeps the body warm and protects against external stimuli is depleted
- 2 Extreme stress and fatigue
It often occurs when the immune system becomes sensitive, such as in students or overworked office workers
- 3 Irregular eating habits
Consuming instant or cold foods weakens digestive functions and worsens skin metabolism
- 4 Autonomic nervous system imbalance
It is the result of a decreased ability of the autonomic nervous system to regulate the constriction and dilation of blood vessels according to temperature changes
- 5 Long-term use of antihistamines
Relying on medications that only suppress symptoms can cause the body's own regulatory abilities to gradually deteriorate
Cold urticaria involves not only skin symptoms but alsoSystemic discomfortis often accompanied by.
한랭두드러기 주요 증상, 환자가 실제로 느끼는 것들
Skin area
- 팽진과 부종, 찬 곳에 노출된 부위가 모기에 물린 것처럼 퉁퉁 부어올라요
- 심한 가려움과 따가움, 참기 힘든 가려움이나 바늘로 찌르는 듯한 통증이 느껴집니다
- 홍반(붉은 반점), 피부가 붉게 변하며 열감이 느껴지기도 해요
- 입술·혀 부종, 찬 음료를 마시면 입술이나 혀, 목구멍이 붓는 경우도 있어 주의가 필요해요
동반 증상, 전신 영역
- Hands and feet are exceptionally cold and very sensitive to cold
- Easily fatigued and lacking energy
- Accompanied by headaches or dizziness
- Poor digestion and the abdomen often feels cold
- Palpitations or anxiety
In addition to the skin,Immunity and circulation of Qi and bloodsymptoms indicating problems with... appear together.
If these symptoms appear as a set, you shouldn't just look at the skinA signal that the entire body needs treatmentbecause.
Chronic cold urticaria, Baekrokdam's approach
Summary, 증상을 누르는 항히스타민제만으로는 부족하거든요. 피부 스스로 온도를 조절하고 방어할 수 있는 자생력을 회복해야 합니다.
Why Baekrokdam focuses on herbal medicine
The direction of herbal medicine is not just to suppress external symptoms, but to create a body that recovers on its own without medication.
Cold urticaria isIt's not just a simple allergic reaction.. It's because the 'Yang-gi (陽氣)' that protects our body has become insufficient, making it unable to overcome external cold energy. Antihistamines only block histamine, the resulting product, but cannot resolve the underlying cause of why histamine is being released excessively.
Herbal medicine strengthens the protective barrier (Wei-qi) on the skin's surface and builds the power to regulate internal body temperature.If Western medicine is 'putting out the fire now,' herbal medicine is closer to 'creating an environment where fires don't start.' Herbal medicine is the fundamental solution to breaking the cycle of recurrence that happens when you stop taking medication.
Why it doesn't show up well in tests
Tests look at numbers and structures, but the essence is often a 'bodily imbalance' that isn't easily captured by tests.
In many cases, nothing shows up in standard allergy tests (such as MAST). This is because it's not a reaction to a specific substance (food, dust, etc.), but ratherphysical stimulation called 'temperature'a reaction to
Therefore, 'normal test results' do not mean the patient is not in pain. It's a state where the sensitivity of skin cells to detect and react to temperature changes is too high, which is an area that cannot be fully explained by imaging or blood levels.
그래서 어떻게 치료하느냐, 백록담의 방식
We examine the whole body through medical history, pulse diagnosis, and abdominal diagnosis, and resolve the root cause with herbal medicine.
Beyond the visible symptoms,the environment inside the patient's bodywe approach by looking directly into
- Abdominal Diagnosis (腹診), 복부의 냉감이나 압통을 통해 소화기 상태와 양기의 부족 여부를 확인합니다. 속이 차가우면 피부의 방어력도 떨어지기 마련이거든요
- Pulse Diagnosis (脈診), 맥의 흐름을 통해 기혈 순환의 정체 정도와 면역 균형 상태를 파악합니다
- Medical Interview (問診), 생활 습관, 스트레스 정도, 수면 패턴, 식습관을 꼼꼼히 듣습니다. 언제부터, 어떤 상황에서 더 심해지는지가 처방의 큰 단서가 돼요
Based on this diagnosisWarming the meridians and dispelling cold (溫經散寒, warming the meridians to drive out cold energy)andSupplementing Qi and securing the exterior (益氣固表, reinforcing energy to strengthen the skin barrier)are carried out simultaneously. The goal of herbal medicine treatment is not just to relieve itching, but to make the skin less sensitive to temperature changes.
Pattern identification classification of cold urticaria observed in clinical practice
The internal causes of cold urticaria vary from person to person. Treatment is divided into four main types.
Wind-Cold Type (風寒型)風寒
Those who react immediately to cold wind and have pale or light skin color
Treatment direction: Dispersing wind and dispelling cold (疏風散寒)
Exterior Yang Deficiency Type (表陽虛型)表陽虛
Those who are usually sensitive to cold, sweat easily, and have extremely low immunity
Treatment direction: Warming Yang and securing the exterior (溫陽固表)
Spleen-Stomach Disharmony Type (脾胃不和型)脾胃不和
소화가 잘 안 되고 몸이 잘 부으며 체내 노폐물(담음)이 많은 분
Treatment direction: Strengthening the spleen and resolving dampness (建脾化濕)
Exterior Cold and Interior Heat Type (表寒裏熱型)表寒裏熱
Those with high internal heat due to stress, but whose toxins are stagnant because the exterior is blocked by cold energy
Treatment direction: Releasing the exterior and clearing heat (解表淸熱)
Adjusting the proportion of herbal medicine according to the patient's condition and in line with the pattern of improvement,Finely adjusting the prescription every 2 to 4 weeksis performed.
Step-by-step progress of cold urticaria treatment
Below is the general flow observed through Baekrokdam's herbal medicine treatment.
- 1개월 차, 적응 및 탐색기
This is the period when the herbal medicine begins to expel the cold energy from the body.
- The frequency of hives or the intensity of itching begins to change subtly
- Checking the status to see if the frequency of antihistamine intake can be gradually reduced
- Overall condition, such as digestion or sleep, may improve first
- 2~3개월 차, 본격 회복기
This is the period when the skin's protective barrier thickens and becomes less sensitive to temperature changes.
- Noticeable decrease in the degree of swelling during the ice cube test
- Significantly reduced reaction to daily stimuli such as air conditioning or cold water
- Many people become able to carry out daily activities without Western medicine
- 3~4개월 차, 다지기 및 재발 방지
This is the stage of stabilizing the constitution and completing the treatment.
- Resolving even the remaining subtle reactions and fully replenishing the body's Yang energy
- Checking if symptoms remain stable even as herbal medicine intake is gradually reduced
- Education on lifestyle habits and dietary management to prevent recurrence
Recovery speed may vary depending on the patient's condition and the duration of the illness.
Chronic patients of 5 years or moreIt may require a bit more patience. However, if you manage it consistently without giving up, you can certainly regain a much more comfortable daily life than before.
진료를 더 구체적으로 시작하려면
한랭두드러기 진료 전에 준비하면 좋은 정보
오래 낫지 않거나 반복된 증상일수록 처방전·검사 결과뿐 아니라, 이전 치료에 무엇이 좋아졌고 무엇이 남았는지까지 확인하는 일이 중요합니다. 준비된 자료가 없어도 진료를 시작할 수 있습니다.- 기존 검사·진료 자료가 있다면: 한랭두드러기과 관련해 받은 피부과·알레르기 진료와 검사 결과, 항히스타민제·연고 사용 기록
- 현재 복용 중인 약은 처방전·약 봉투·약 이름 사진 또는 복용 목록으로, 건강기능식품과 함께 정리해 주세요
- 관찰해 오면 좋은 변화: 노출 온도·부위와 팽진 시작·지속, 혈관부종·호흡·어지럼·복부 증상, 항히스타민 반응·졸림과 수영·업무 제한
- 한랭두드러기과 관련해 느끼는 증상(팽진과 부종, 찬 곳에 노출된 부위가 모기에 물린 것처럼 퉁퉁 부어올라요·심한 가려움과 따가움, 참기 힘든 가려움이나 바늘로 찌르는 듯한 통증이 느껴집니다·홍반(붉은 반점), 피부가 붉게 변하며 열감이 느껴지기도 해요)의 빈도와 강도
- 이전 치료의 반응: 치료명과 기간, 좋아진 점·남은 불편·중단한 이유·이상반응, 다시 악화된 시점을 함께 적어 주세요
자료를 보여주시는 방법 내원할 때 종이 자료나 휴대전화에 저장한 사진으로 보여주셔도 됩니다. 비대면 진료는 접수 뒤 병원에서 안내한 전용 링크로 전달해 주세요.
백록담 진료는 이렇게 진행합니다
- 1지금까지의 치료 과정을 함께 확인합니다
한랭두드러기이 시작된 때부터 지금까지의 변화와 기존 검사·치료 내용, 무엇이 좋아졌고 무엇이 남았는지 먼저 살핍니다.
- 2진료가 가능한 범위를 구분합니다
현재 불편을 세분해 살피고, 다른 진료과 검사나 응급 평가가 먼저 필요한 신호가 없는지 확인합니다.
- 3개인별 치료 계획을 세웁니다
몸 상태와 생활 여건을 반영해 치료 우선순위와 관찰할 변화를 정하고, 반응에 따라 조정합니다.
이전 치료 뒤에도 불편이 남는다면
치료에 잘 반응하지 않았다는 사실만으로 원인이나 다음 치료를 정할 수는 없습니다. 먼저 진단과 치료 기간·용량·실행 정도, 이상반응과 재발 시점을 다시 확인합니다. 필요한 평가와 기존 치료를 존중하면서도 증상이 반복되고 수면·소화·피로·스트레스·생활 기능이 함께 흔들린다면, 이 변화를 한의학적으로 살펴보는 진료를 함께 고려할 수 있습니다.
먼 지역에 계셔도 먼저 진료를 문의할 수 있습니다
자료가 흩어져 있거나 무엇부터 말해야 할지 막막해도 괜찮습니다. 지금까지 받은 검사와 치료, 그 뒤 좋아진 점과 남은 불편을 자세히 알려주세요. 비대면으로 진행해도 되는지 또는 대면 진찰·검사가 필요한지는 의료진이 판단합니다.
이전 치료 뒤에도 불편이 남거나 다시 반복되나요? 지금까지 받은 검사·치료와 그 뒤 달라진 점을 적어 주세요. 거리가 있어 내원이 쉽지 않아도 먼저 문의하시면 의료진이 대면·비대면 중 적합한 진료 방식을 안내합니다.
Conditions easily confused with cold urticaria
It is easy to confuse with other types of urticaria, but cold urticaria has the distinct characteristic of being triggered by 'cold stimuli.'
Hives occur every day even without specific external stimuli. Cold urticaria must have a 'drop in temperature' as a trigger.
Contrary to cold urticaria, it occurs when exposed to hot stimuli. Although rare, some people experience both together.
It occurs when body temperature rises (exercise, bathing, etc.) and is characterized by small, millet-sized wheals. Cold urticaria appears as larger, clumped swellings.
It occurs when coming into contact with 'water' itself, regardless of temperature. It is very rare and has a different mechanism than cold urticaria.
특정 부위의 만성적인 가려움과 피부 건조, 태선화가 특징이에요. 두드러기처럼 일시적으로 부풀었다가 사라지는 양상과는 차이가 있습니다.
Cold urticaria treatment reviews
Cold Urticaria FAQ
한랭두드러기에 좋은 음식은 무엇인가요?
특정 음식이 한랭 자극 반응을 치료하지는 않아요. 차가운 음료가 입술·목 증상을 유발하면 피하고 갑작스러운 전신 냉수 노출을 특히 조심하세요. 백록담에서는 양허·위기불고·풍한과 전신 냉증을 살피되 아나필락시스 위험 계획을 우선합니다.
한랭두드러기 검사는 어떻게 하나요?
추위에 노출된 뒤 팽진이 생기는 병력을 확인하고 의료진 감독 아래 얼음 자극검사 등으로 반응을 볼 수 있어요. 차가운 물에 전신 노출되면 아나필락시스가 생길 수 있으므로 혼자 시험하지 말고, 호흡곤란·어지럼이 있었으면 알레르기 전문 평가와 응급 계획이 필요합니다.
Why does cold urticaria occur? Do I have to take medicine for the rest of my life?
Western medicine views it as excessive histamine secretion from mast cells, but Korean medicine sees it as a weakened state of the skin's protective barrier called 'Weigi (Defensive Qi)'. If you're only okay while taking medicine, it's just suppressing the symptoms. By reinforcing the body's Yang energy and balancing immunity, your body can adapt to temperature changes without medication.
I tested positive in the ice cube test; is Korean medicine treatment possible?
Yes, it is possible. In fact, such individuals are the primary candidates for Korean medicine. Swelling when ice is applied means the skin's temperature regulation function has become that sensitive. Reducing that sensitivity is the core of herbal medicine treatment.
I think I've developed a tolerance because I've been taking antihistamines for a long time.
In fact, many people come to us because increasing the dosage of antihistamines has no effect. Herbal medicine does not directly block histamine but rather improves the internal environment so that mast cells do not overreact. Rather than stopping Western medicine immediately, we recommend gradually reducing it while taking herbal medicine concurrently.
Even though it's summer, I get hives because of the air conditioning.
Cold urticaria doesn't just happen in winter. It appears with air conditioning, cold showers, and even when drinking cold beverages. Regardless of the season, the body perceives 'cold stimuli' as a threat, so systemic regulation is necessary.
How long should the treatment period be?
We usually recommend intensive treatment for about 3 to 4 months. If the duration of the illness is short, it may improve faster, but for those who have suffered for years, it may take more than 6 months for constitutional improvement. We will provide more specific guidance after observing the skin's reaction speed during the first month.
Is it possible to get herbal medicine prescriptions through telemedicine?
가능해요. 백록담은 비대면 진료 시스템을 갖추고 있어, 직접 내원하기 힘든 분들도 상세한 문진과 상담을 통해 한약을 처방받으실 수 있습니다. 처방이 결정되면 조제·수령 방법을 안내드립니다.
Are cold urticaria and cholinergic urticaria different?
Yes, the mechanisms of these two conditions can be seen as opposites. While cold urticaria appears when exposed to cold stimuli like cold wind or water, cholinergic urticaria occurs when body temperature rises. However, both share the commonality of the skin's immune system overreacting to external stimuli, so management to improve internal regulatory power is necessary.
My skin swells and turns red when it touches cold water; is this a symptom of cold urticaria?
As you mentioned, if wheals and itching occur when the skin warms up after being exposed to cold water or air conditioning, there is a high possibility of cold urticaria. Unlike simple winter itching, it is characterized by localized red swelling of the skin. If these symptoms repeat, it is necessary to check if the circulation of Qi and blood is stagnant, weakening the ability to adapt to temperature changes.
Dermatological conditions to consider alongside cold urticaria
These are immune and skin conditions that are good to manage along with cold urticaria.
근거와 검토 정보
한랭두드러기 안내에 참고한 자료
아래 자료는 질환의 일반적인 정의·증상·검사·안전 기준을 확인하는 데 사용했습니다. 백록담의 진료 관점은 이 자료의 결론을 그대로 옮긴 것이 아니며, 개인에게 적용할 때는 진찰과 검사 결과를 함께 봐야 합니다.
콘텐츠 검토 기준일:
- NIH/PubMed
이 자료에서 확인한 범위정의·일반 의학정보에 관한 연구의 설계·결과와 해석 범위를 확인하기 위한 원문
- PubMed Central
이 자료에서 확인한 범위정의·일반 의학정보에 관한 연구의 설계·결과와 해석 범위를 확인하기 위한 원문
- PubMed Central
이 자료에서 확인한 범위정의·일반 의학정보에 관한 연구의 설계·결과와 해석 범위를 확인하기 위한 원문
- AAAAI, Urticaria practice parameter
이 자료에서 확인한 범위한랭두드러기의 유발 회피와 항히스타민 약물치료·전신 반응 안전관리
함께 보면 좋은 문서
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현재 보고 있는 문서Cold Urticaria
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최연승 한의사 대표원장 · 한의학아틀라스 편집자 · BRC 연구자
페이지 요약
한랭두드러기는 찬 공기·찬물·얼음 등 낮은 온도에 피부가 노출되었을 때 그 부위가 가렵고 부풀어 오르는 질환입니다. 전신이 찬물에 노출되면 혈압 저하나 호흡 곤란이 나타날 수 있어 주의해야 합니다.
이 페이지가 다루는 내용
- 무엇을 설명하나요
- 찬바람이나 찬물에 닿은 뒤 피부가 붉게 부풀고 가려운 이유는 무엇인가요?
- 어떤 상황을 다루나요
- 찬 공기나 찬물에 피부가 노출된 뒤 그 부위가 가렵고 부풀어 오르는 사람입니다.
- 무엇을 구별해서 보나요
- 한랭두드러기는 찬 자극에 노출된 뒤 피부가 가렵고 부풀어 오르는 물리적 두드러기의 일종입니다.
- 어떻게 이해하면 되나요
- 전신이 찬물에 노출된 뒤 혈압 저하나 호흡 곤란이 나타나면 중증 반응 여부를 평가해야 합니다.
핵심 내용
- 찬 공기, 찬물, 얼음 등 낮은 온도에 피부가 노출되었을 때 그 부위가 가렵고 부풀어 오르는 질환입니다.
- 한랭두드러기는 다시 따뜻해질 때 히스타민이 분출되어 증상이 심해질 수 있습니다.
- 심한 경우 전신이 찬물에 노출되면 혈압이 떨어지거나 호흡이 곤란해질 수 있습니다.