Prevalence and risk factors of cold intolerance in a tropical region: A population-based prevalence study

Cold intolerance is an abnormal reaction to cold exposure that results in pain and discomfort. It is predominantly characterized by pain/aching, numbness, tingling, color alteration, stiffness, swelling and loss of function. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cold sensitivity in the city of Kashan, which has a warm climate, and compare it with the prevalence of cold sensitivity in colder regions. In this cross-sectional study, cold-related symptoms and cold intolerance (CISS ≥ 50) were reported in 78 (25.2%) and 16 (5.2%) persons, respectively. We compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of participants with and without cold intolerance. There was no significant difference between the participants with and without cold intolerance in terms of age and body mass index. The frequency of cold intolerance was higher in smokers and participants with comorbidity, although it did not reach a significant level.