How to cope with cold sensitivity due to chemotherapy
March 11, 2026
Platinum-based chemotherapy drugs — including cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin — are well-known for causing nerve damage in the hands and feet. This can lead to a side effect called peripheral neuropathy. Patients who experience it often report abnormal sensations of tingling, burning or numbness.
But patients who receive the drug oxaliplatin may also experience something extra: an extreme sensitivity to cold.
Known as cold dysesthesia, this form of neuropathy is unique to oxaliplatin. It can make drinking ice-cold beverages extremely unpleasant and exposure to chilly temperatures very uncomfortable — whether they’re due to air conditioning or just the weather. For some patients, the sensation can be so strong that it’s actually painful.
So, how soon does this cold sensitivity start after receiving oxaliplatin? How long can you expect it to last? And, is there anything you can do to manage it? Read on to find out.
When does the cold sensitivity from oxaliplatin start?
The sensitivity to cold can come on very quickly after a chemotherapy infusion. Still, some patients don’t notice it for several days. It can even surprise them, especially when it comes to cold food and drinks. That’s why I warn patients before they start any oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen.
How long does the cold sensitivity last?
That depends on the length of your treatment. The first couple of times you receive oxaliplatin, you might only have cold sensitivity for a day or two. But the longer you’re on it, the longer your symptoms can last. A few months into chemotherapy, your cold sensitivity may linger for several days, or even weeks, after an infusion.
The good news is that cold sensitivity usually goes away once you’ve finished chemotherapy. And, it’s not dangerous, just unusual. The abnormal cold sensation of dysesthesia can be mild or bothersome. But in and of itself, it’s just a side effect; it doesn’t mean something bad is happening.
Key takeaways
- Cold dysesthesia is a form of neuropathy that’s unique to the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin.
- The severity of this side effect can vary, but it usually goes away after treatment stops.
- Temporary lifestyle changes are the best way to manage it.
Are there any strategies you can use to manage cold sensitivity?
Absolutely. The severity of cold sensitivity varies from patient to patient, but it’s typically very manageable. It’s rare to need to adjust your dose or treatment schedule just because of that.
In most cases, it’s better to avoid the cold that’s causing you discomfort than it is to look for ways to address it. So, some patients struggle with it more in the winter than the summer.
But unlike side effects such as nausea or diarrhea, which can be improved with medication, coping with cold sensitivity is all about making lifestyle changes. Here’s what I usually recommend.
Food temperature-related cold sensitivities
- Ask for drinking water at room temperature.
- Request soft drinks with no ice.
- Avoid smoothies, popsicles, ice cream and other frozen treats.
- Skip cold soups like gazpacho.
- Stick with foods served warm or hot.
- Choose hot beverages like tea, coffee and cocoa.
Some research suggests chewing ice chips during an infusion may help prevent this side effect altogether.
Air temperature-related cold sensitivities
- Wear gloves when reaching into your refrigerator or freezer.
- Ask to relocate your workspace if your desk is by a drafty door or beneath an air vent.
- Bundle up in extra layers if you have to go outside in cold weather
If you’re experiencing cold sensitivity due to chemotherapy, try the strategies above to see which ones work best for you. If you’re still struggling, contact your care team. They can help you come up with some additional ways to cope.
Request an appointment at UT MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.
Dealing with cold sensitivity is all about making lifestyle changes.
Ryan Huey, M.D.
Physician