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Living with Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome 3

An inherited condition (PLAID) in which cool air or water triggers hives, along with immune system problems.

Understanding Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome 3

Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome 3 (PLAID) is an immune system disorder with an allergic reaction to cold temperatures.

The main feature is hives when skin is exposed to cool temperatures, especially evaporative cooling like a cool breeze on damp skin. People do not react to touching an ice cube. Hives clear as skin warms. Some babies have blistering on the nose, ears, and fingers. Immune function is reduced in many people, leading to repeated infections.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Hives from cold exposure (cold urticaria)
  • Itching
  • Swelling under the skin (angioedema)
  • Allergies and hay fever
  • Repeated sinus and lung infections
  • Feeling faint

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists, allergy and immune system specialists, genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in PLCG2 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Immune Deficiency Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Allergy and immune system specialists (allergists / immunologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Immune Deficiency Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with The International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing for the PLCG2 gene confirm this diagnosis?
Is it safe for me to swim in cold water?
How should my immune system and infections be monitored?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesPLCG2

Changes in the PLCG2 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, which means a change in one copy of the gene can cause it.

GeneticSkin

Also known as: antibody deficiency and immune dysregulation, plcg2-associated; facu; familial atypical cold urticaria; familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome caused by mutation in plcg2; familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome type 3; familial cold urticaria with common variable immunodeficiency

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome 3GARD ID 17369 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

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