Mum-of-Three's Life-Threatening Allergy to Cold Weather Sparks Desperate Plea for Warmth
A mother-of-three from Leicestershire who suffers from a rare and severe allergy to cold temperatures is urgently hoping for warmer weather to arrive, as it could potentially save her life. Vikki Lovett, 44, from Anstey, was diagnosed with cold-induced urticaria two years ago, a condition that makes her literally allergic to the cold.
"It may sound funny to some people, but it's life-threatening because, as well as causing symptoms such as hives, welts, swelling, itching, stinging and rashes, it can lead to anaphylaxis," Vikki explained. Her symptoms first appeared when she took her daughter, Beau, to the park on a chilly day, and the back of her neck turned bright red and felt like it was burning.
Escalating Symptoms and Diagnosis
On another occasion, while drinking a milkshake, her throat began to close up. "I felt like I had a rock in my throat and I couldn't breathe properly. Things started to escalate from there, and I began to realise that whenever I was in contact with the cold, I would have what appeared to be an allergic reaction," she said. After researching online, she discovered cold-induced urticaria and was referred to the allergy clinic at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester.
There, a consultant conducted a test by placing ice in a glass on her thigh, which initially left a red mark before welts developed. "It was a relief to get a diagnosis, but I was worried about what the future would hold for me, especially as my symptoms had only been getting worse. I was too scared to leave the house, and even now I avoid it if I can," Vikki admitted.
Daily Dangers and Life-Threatening Incidents
Vikki lives in constant fear of cold exposure, which she says could literally kill her. "I'm constantly worrying about exposure to the cold, because it could literally kill me. I dread winter, but it isn't just the weather that affects me. Drinking a cold drink, swimming, touching something cold, or even just opening my freezer can all trigger a reaction," she revealed.
In one terrifying incident, she went into anaphylactic shock after working out at the gym, when sweat cooled on her body. "I suddenly felt like my throat was closing up, and I began struggling to breathe. I started coughing and wheezing and felt like I needed an inhaler, even though I don't have asthma. I knew something was very wrong. My breathing was getting more laboured, and I began to feel seriously unwell," she recounted.
Vikki had to use an EpiPen prescribed by her doctor and was rushed to hospital for observations. "It's scary to think that without the EpiPen, I could easily have died. Being allergic to the cold affects everything in my life - it's a living nightmare," she said.
Impact on Daily Life and Treatment
The condition has forced her to give up her job teaching life skills to adults with autism and ADHD, as it required regular outdoor work that caused flare-ups. "I was risking my life just going to work, so I eventually had to give it up. Now, I literally can't hold anything cold because it immediately hurts, and it's so painful. Even with the heating on, I struggle at home and will still be itchy. Sometimes, I feel like my skin is on fire and I have to rip my clothes off," she described.
Vikki takes 180mg of antihistamine four times daily to manage symptoms and has started immunotherapy with Omalizumab injections every four weeks. "So far, I've seen good results. The hives have been less, and it has definitely improved the itching. It's still very painful to hold anything cold, but I'm hoping things will improve over time," she shared, while expressing frustration that people often don't take her condition seriously, joking about hating winter instead.
