Does anyone else have cold hives?

About 2–3 years ago I started noticing that I got hives in the winter time. At first, they were horrible and they would swell up and my face would look super puffy. Now during the winter I just get red dots on my face, but the puffy hives all over my legs and when I start getting warmer, they get bigger then go away. I’ve been to the doctor several times about it, since it can be embarrassing and I would love to know what I can do to get rid of this.

Has anyone else experienced cold hives?
How long have you had them?
What kind of medication, if any worked for you?

I was also told i couldn’t go swimming anymore, since some people can go into anaphylactic shock.
I am going on vacation for christmas to get away from the cold and was hoping that I could possibly swim.

Hope someone can share their experience!
Thanks so much.