A teenager from Abergele, North Wales, has a rare allergy to cold temperatures, which has left her feeling scared and self-conscious. Amber Woodward, 16, suffers from cold urticaria, a condition that triggers hives and swelling when exposed to cold temperatures. Since 2022, Amber has experienced red, itchy hives whenever the temperature falls below 12°C (53°F).
Amber's condition is so rare that she was initially shocked when diagnosed in 2023. She has to wear leggings under her clothes almost all the time and feels like everyone is looking at her. Amber's symptoms have not improved with medication, and she has a reaction whenever the temperature drops below 12°C (53°F). She also develops hives and a rash when coming out of water, regardless of the outside temperature.
Amber's condition has impacted her daily life, making it difficult for her to go out with friends and take part in outdoor activities. She hopes that new antihistamine injections every four weeks will improve her symptoms. But for now, Amber remains hopeful about the future, hoping that more research will lead to better medication for her condition.
