Seeking ideas about weird snow reaction

[Guest guest]

Aloha listmates,

While this isn't very important in the scope of things, we are

puzzled by a reaction to snow. While recently vacationing in AZ, my

son had his first snow experience. For about 1/2 hour, we played

about, threw snowballs (bare hands), etc. Not long after, he began

complaining that his hands hurt. Within a couple of hours max, the

backs of his hands had turned bright red and burned intensely. The

redness spread up his arms where it more clearly presented as hives,

and it became obvious that he was having a severe reaction to

contact with something. (No wheezing, stomach pain, or other

systemic reaction.) Benedryl capsules and cortisone cream made him

comfortable. The redness faded over many days, but the discomfort

was gone much faster. Two weeks later his skin is very dry and

peeling where it had been red.

Of course, we want to avoid the source of the reaction in the

future. I'm wondering if it was pine oil in the snow...altho he's

handled Christmas trees with no problem...? Any ideas? Please let

me know.