BBC doctor says thousands in UK may experience 'perfect storm' - it's not good news

BBC doctor says thousands in UK may experience 'perfect storm' - it's not good news Dr Xand spoke on BBC Morning Live today, and urged people in the UK to seek help if they have any concerns A BBC expert has warned people in the UK of a condition that could catch some people by "surprise". And thanks to winter, some could soon see a "perfect storm of problems" heading their way - and it won't be pleasant. Dr Xand van Tulleken, a regular on BBC Morning Live, explained on today's show (Tuesday, November 10): "The winter itch is something that some people will be dreading. And for some people, it will catch them by surprise - and they won’t know what to do." Cold urticaria (ur-tih-KAR-e-uh) is a reaction that appears after skin is exposed to the cold. Itchy welts, also called hives, appear on affected skin, and Dr Xand says that while it is classed as "rare", it is in fact "not that rare and it does affect thousands of people in the UK." People may get swelling in their hands and lips - and in serious cases in their tongue and throat. "You can almost think of it as an allergy to cold", Dr Xand explained, adding that the immune system responds "very strongly to cold and you get a severe itch." 'We don't take it seriously enough', Dr Xand says The doctor said that this is "worth talking about for a couple of reasons." First, it can be a really "dismal symptom and one that gets almost no attention. We all recognise pain is a big problem, but itching is still something we often don’t take seriously enough, he said, "and it can really drive you bananas." If you’re experiencing anything that feels like this, it’s worth discussing it with your GP. And it could be especially important if you have eczema. Dr Xand cautions anyone with eczema The doctor explained that if you have eczema, "winter is a difficult time." As the season changes, a huge number of things in our environment also shift. At this time of year, many people may notice: - The air becomes a lot less humid, which makes your skin dry out - Their skin produces less oil, meaning it's more prone to drying and cracking - They have longer hot baths or showers, which wash away your skin's natural oils - They get less UV light - They are more likely to fall ill, which puts stress on the immune system, making eczema more likely to flare up Because of these issues, Dr Xand says it creates a "perfect storm of problems heading into the winter with dry air, cold weather, changes in behaviour and even changes in clothing because we wear more wool, which can irritate your skin." Treat yourself like a baby, Dr Xand says While people can take pain medication that will hopefully act rapidly, sadly "the same is not true for itch", which "requires a long-term approach." Speaking about his 11-month-old daughter, he said his daughter gets ointment twice a day and wears mitts at night so she doesn't scratch - and adults should have a similar approach. He explained: "Treating yourself like a small baby in terms of the attention and preparation you give yourself is really valuable." This is especially true if you're coming into the winter months and your eczema is flaring up. How can I treat the winter itch? The exact cause of cold urticaria is unknown. It may be linked to overly sensitive skin cells, sometimes triggered by a virus or illness, or it may run in families, the Mayo Clinic explains. In the most common types, exposure to cold prompts the body to release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream, leading to itching - and in some cases symptoms that can affect the whole body. Dr Xand urges people to do the following: - Avoid scratching - Avoid triggers - Wear non-irritating materials - Have lukewarm baths - Use steroid creams carefully - Always moisturise The doctor directed BBC viewers to BAD - the British Association of Dermatologists. The health website notes that there are a number of "things that can irritate the skin, " including allergens (for example, pollen and dust), soaps, detergents and other chemicals." Other triggers may include food allergies or stress. It's best to find your triggers, chat to your GP about them, and where possible, avoid them. What are the symptoms of cold urticaria Symptoms of cold urticaria can vary from mild to severe. For some people, swimming in cold water can trigger a serious reaction, including a drop in blood pressure, fainting or even shock. Cold urticaria is most common in young adults, but if you think you might have it, speak to your doctor. The Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms may include: - Temporary itchy welts, also called hives, on the area of skin exposed to cold. - A response that worsens as the skin warms. - Swelling of the hands while holding cold objects. - Swelling of the lips from eating cold food or drinking cold beverages. Serious responses may include: - A whole-body reaction, also known as anaphylaxis. This can cause fainting, a racing heart, swelling of limbs or trunk, and shock. - Swelling of the tongue and throat. This can make it hard to breathe. The clinic explains: "Cold urticaria symptoms begin soon after the skin is exposed to a sudden drop in air temperature or cold water. Damp and windy conditions may cause symptoms to flare up. Each bout of symptoms may last for about two hours. "The worst reactions generally occur when all of the skin is exposed to cold, such as when swimming in cold water. These reactions could lead to fainting and drowning." Should I see a doctor for itching? If it's bothering you and you do not know the cause, yes. The Mayo Clinic stresses that if your skin reacts after exposure to cold, you should always speak to a healthcare professional. Even if the reaction seems mild, they may want to rule out other possible causes. However, you should seek emergency help if symptoms affect your whole body or you have trouble breathing after a sudden exposure to cold.