I have an allergy called cold uticaria which seems to get worse as I get older but has generally been limited to skin swelling and hives. I'm on holiday at the moment and went for a swim in the sea twice today. My afternoon swim seems to have prompted a significant reaction. My body swelled and my hands and feet were white (I get mild Raynaud's too and yes I looked exceptionally attractive). My heart rate went up to 140 when I got out and I was cold, light headed and nauseous.
It's two hours later and I still feel weak and shaky. The swelling has mostly gone down though. Do these symptoms seem consistent with an allergic reaction or is it coincidence and I'm coming down with something?
I'll get some antihistamine for tomorrow but will avoid the sea and stick with the pool if it's warm enough.