Lola Dyer isn’t excited for a snowy winter. She’s eight years old, and she dreads cold weather. Not just because it’s uncomfortable, but because it’s harmful to her.
Lola has urticaria. This means that if she goes out in the cold, even being outside for two minutes can leave her with rashes all over her body.
She’s allergic to the cold weather.
If she wants to go outside, she must wear full thermal underwear. She also needs to bring an inhaler with her everywhere. One allergic reaction caused her to be hospitalized due to breathing problems.
She was diagnosed in 2013, after suffering from these rashes for six months and seeing doctors.
When she was on vacation in Malta in 2012, she went swimming, and had to be hospitalized when she suffered severe breathing problems. She had gotten out of the pool after complaining of the cold, then suffered what seemed like an asthma attack.
However, they gave her asthma medication at the hospital in Malta, and sent them on their way.
But when they got back to the UK, things just got worse.
“Lola’s hands and feet were so cold she couldn’t move, they were really swollen and her body was covered in a red rash,” said her mother, Katie.
This happened on a particularly cold day. Katie, who had seen Lola suffer breathing problems and rashes for her whole life, finally made the connection.
When she finally got diagnosed, it meant that she had to start taking precautions.
Now, if she goes out in the cold, she has to be bundled up—including her hands, and a balaclava over her face.
“I thought finally being diagnosed would be the start of a happier future for Lola, however it’s been the beginning of another battle,” says Katie. “The GP who diagnosed Lola left the country, and getting anyone else to take us seriously or offer any help has been a nightmare.”
Lola has had to stop swimming, since, since most pools are too cold for her.
Right now, she dresses warmly and uses strong antihistamines to control it.
“Aside from that,” says Katie, “We can only recommend the avoidance of cold air and very cold water.”
