Cold Sensitivity 

What is Cold Sensitivity (Cold Dysesthesia)?

Some chemotherapy medications can cause patients to experience an extreme sensitivity to cold. This is known as cold dysesthesia. Drinking cold beverages, eating cold foods, or exposure to colder temperatures (caused by weather or air conditioning) may cause patients to experience this feeling. This sensation can be painful to some patients.

How Long Does Cold Sensitivity Last?

Cold sensitivity typically lasts as long as the treatment is given. Symptoms can last for a few days (when chemotherapy is first started) to weeks (having received many months of therapy). The longer chemotherapy is given, the longer the cold sensitivity may last. Cold sensitivity usually resolves once chemotherapy is completed.

Things You Can Do to Minimize Oral or Mouth Cold Sensitivity:

• Avoid cold temperatures and cold objects.
• Do not drink cold drinks or use ice cubes in drinks.
• Do not breathe deeply when exposed to cold air.
• Wear warm clothing in cold weather at all times. Wear gloves and socks. Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf, mask or a pull-down cap (ski cap) to warm the air that goes to your lungs.
• Drink fluids warm or at room temperature.
• Always drink through a straw.
• Do not use ice chips if you have nausea or a sore mouth. Call your health care professional.

Things You Can Do to Minimize Body, Hand, or Foot Cold Sensitivity:

• Avoid cold temperatures and cold objects.
• Consider wearing gloves and socks both indoors and outdoors.
• Cover your skin, mouth and nose if you must go outside in cold temperatures.
• Do not put ice or ice packs on your body.
• Cover yourself with a blanket while you receive your Oxaliplatin infusion.
• Do not breathe deeply when exposed to cold air.
• Wear warm clothing in cold weather at all times. Wear gloves and socks. Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf, mask or a pull-down cap (ski cap) to warm the air that goes to your lungs.
• Do not take things from the freezer or refrigerator without wearing gloves.
• Be aware that metals are cold to touch especially in the winter. Wear gloves to touch cold objects including your house door, car door, or mailbox.
• Do not run the air conditioner on high either in the house or car in hot weather.
• If your body gets cold, warm-up the affected part with warm water.