A week ago Sunday, I made a grocery run to our local market. It was only 36* F, but windy. About 6 miles round trip. Uneventful, but upon my return, while I was removing my gear and helmet, I became aware of an intense itching on the back of my hands and all over my thighs. Further investigation found the back of my hands plus all around my thighs, Knee to butt, was bright red and beginning to show welts.

I applied Caladryl lotion to the affected areas and took an anti-histamine. Relief was quick. A couple hours later all was normal again. Unfortunately, wifey came in mid treatment and was alarmed at my appearance. This led me to call my Dr. a few days later, and he says it's just an allergic reaction, something called "Cold Urtecaria".

This is puzzling, as I spent my childhood in Nebraska with frequent exposure to much colder conditions. Also during a lifetime of cycling, I have ridden in temps down to 18* F or so and never experienced this. Ive seen red hands, ears nose etc in Winter, but not the itching. Doc suggested I take some Claritin before my next cold weather ride. Anybody else experienced this? Don