Sounds like a combination of dry, cold air and an allergic reaction, but it's impossible to hazard more than a guess on a Web forum. Did the Benadryl cream help? Oral Benadryl/diphenhydramine would probably help more than topical. I normally take two 25 mg caplets when an allergy is bothering me.

Sometimes it's hard to decide what caused the problem, but for me when I have that symptom, it's nearly always something in a shampoo or hair product. It can also be something like the wool or other type of yarn in a sweater (I'm allergic to angora) or a reaction to a new laundry detergent. You have to have had at least one previous exposure to an allergen to have a reaction to it, so it's something your body has run across at least once before. Try the Benadryl pills and see if they help. If you're determined to find out what caused the problem, start thinking back on your hair products, detergents, fragrances or clothing fibers. Then eliminate possible culprits one at a time until you've found your way to allergy relief or a repeat reaction, which would give you your answer. Good luck!