“I just want to do normal things and live a normal life and not worry.”
A 16-year-old girl from North Wales said she was “always afraid” of having an allergic reaction after being diagnosed with a rare condition that left her with hives and swelling due to cold temperatures.
Since 2022, Amber Woodward has been suffering from red, itchy hives whenever the temperature falls below 12 degrees Celsius (53 degrees Fahrenheit).
She suffers from cold urticaria, a rare allergy that causes her to react to even a cool breeze in the summer.
The A-level student hopes new antihistamine injections every four weeks will improve her symptoms, which are causing her to miss plans with friends and making her feel uncomfortable.
Amber, from Abergley, County Conwy, said: “There is no cure and I am always scared because there are so many people [with the condition] Who said they had anaphylactic shock. “
She explained that she almost always wore leggings underneath her clothes and often felt like “everyone was looking” at her, adding that all she wanted was a “normal life.”
According to Allergy UK, cold urticaria can be triggered by swimming or other water activities, as well as contact with or eating cold food and drink.
The charity said the underlying cause is unknown and the condition is often difficult to diagnose and treat as symptoms vary widely.
Amber feels uncomfortable when she breaks out in hives from cold temperatures [PA Media]
Amber, who works part-time as a waitress, said she first broke out on her way back from get off work.
“I had bumps on my face, ears, legs and arms that were very red and itchy,” she said.
“I thought it might be the food I was eating, so I didn’t eat anything at home and the rash came back.”
When symptoms later reoccurred, she visited her GP, who said her skin was reacting to the pollution but did not prescribe any medication.
Amber was having reactions almost every day and her mum, Dawn, became “very worried”.
“She always made me double-dress, and she was always afraid of what was going to happen because obviously we didn’t know much about it,” Amber said.
Amber did some research on her own, and when she discovered cold urticaria, she was recommended to see a dermatologist.
She said she was initially shocked by the 2023 diagnosis because the condition is so rare.
“But I’m kind of relieved because I have support and I’m happy that someone actually believes in me,” she added.
However, Amber’s symptoms did not improve with the medication and she had a reaction as soon as her temperature dropped below 12C (53F).
She also develops hives and rashes when she comes out of the water, whether from a pool, shower or ocean, regardless of the outside temperature.
Medications did not relieve Amber’s symptoms and she continues to struggle to manage her condition [PA Media]
Amber said she often had red bumps and hives at work and school, leaving her feeling like “everyone was looking” at her and often having to turn down plans with friends.
“I always have reactions when I go out – I have reactions when I walk about 20 minutes to the bus stop,” she said.
“My friends are always going out and they’re always inviting me out so I can’t really go out so I feel left out.
“We have to plan where to go. If it’s inside or someone’s house, no problem, but if it’s outside, then I can’t do it.”
But Amber remains hopeful for the future.
“I hope more research is done on this and that there are more medications available for me.
“I just want to be able to do the everyday things that other people can do.”