Scots mum with life-threatening allergy to cold facing 'burden' of energy crisis

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An Ayrshire mum who suffers an extreme allergic reaction when exposed to the cold says energy price hikes are 'an additional burden' she now had to contend with.

Jackie Thompson suffers from Severe Idiopathic Cold Urticaria, meaning contact with anything below body temperature could be potentially fatal.

She was first diagnosed with the disease in 2018 - which is common in acute form but considered rare in chronic form - after experiencing symptoms such as skin hives in cold weather and when drinking cold liquids.

In severe cases, the condition can cause anaphylaxis - an extreme allergic reaction that causes the mouth and tongue to swell.Jackie, an Audiology Clerical Officer with NHS Ayrshire and Arran, says those with the disease are struggling with more than just an allergy.She said: "We are not just allergic to cold - it’s much more than that, our bodies struggle to cope with different temperatures."Some of us - myself included - have periods of excessive sweating where the cooled sweat reacts and makes us itch."Now Jackie, whose mental health has also suffered as a result of the condition, says rising energy prices are just another worry she has to deal with.She added: "The price hike for me is an additional burden as I am presently fighting my own battles due to my condition And Jackie is not the only one, according to Yorkshire Live.