Imagine stepping into a warm shower, expecting relief, only to feel a burning, itchy sensation all over your skin. This is a condition called aquagenic urticaria(AU) where skin contact with water causes itchiness, red hives, or swelling. In some severe cases, it can cause wheezing or shortness of breath. Most cases begin shortly after puberty and the most common gender who has this allergy are females. There have been less that 100 reports of aquagenic hives.
Causes
There are various water sources which can trigger hives from this condition including rain, snow, freshwater, seawater, sweat, tears, and drinking water. The temperature, pH and saltiness, or anxiety do not usually affect the hives. Researchers are still working to determine the exact cause of aquagenic hives. However, they have proposed a possible idea. The interaction between water and sebum irritates mast cells causing them to release histamine, causing the reaction.
Symptoms
People with AU are likely to experience the following symptoms after water exposure:
- Hives within 30 minutes of exposure
Aquagenic hives appear as a scratchy, stinging rash. It usually occurs on the chest, neck, and arms. The hives will not appear on the soles of the feet and palms of the hand
- Burning pain
- Skin redness
- Itchiness
- Skin inflammation
- Welts
For some people even drinking water can cause them to get a reaction. It will usually be swollen lips, a rash around the mouth, and a burning sensation in her throat. The symptoms will begin to fade by themselves within 30-60 minutes after no longer being in contact with water.
Treatment
There is no full cure for aquagenic hives. However, there are treatment options to lessen the symptoms including oral antihistamines. These are often a first-line treatment. They help block histamine, the chemical that creates the allergic reactions. Using phototherapy also provides some benefits by thickening the top skin layer and prevent water from getting under the skin as well as reduce mast cell activity. A doctor may also suggest using barrier creams and ointments, such as petroleum jelly to prevent water from penetrating the skin.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone with aquagenic urticaria drink water?
Some people with AU can drink water if they keep it off of their skin. However, in some cases people get a reaction inside their throat. In this case, it is better to drink milk as a replacement since the water content is buffered by proteins and sugars.
How does someone shower with AU?
Doctors recommend applying a barrier of 100% petroleum jelly to the skin before showering and taking short and limited showers. It is also best for a person with this skin allergy to create a showering schedule.
Does AU ever go away?
The number of people with this allergy is so little and so it is unknown if it will resolve on its own.
In conclusion, it is a challenge to live with a condition like aquagenic urticaria. Although there is no cure, treatments can help minimize the challenges of dealing with the condition.
Related Stories:
https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/chronic-urticaria/aquagenic-urticaria/
https://abc13.com/allergy-to-water-aquagenic-urticaria-tessa-hansen-smith-rare-condition/13858481/
https://www.healthline.com/health/aquagenic-urticaria#causes
https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/disease-and-treatment/aquagenic-urticaria
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/aquagenic-urticaria
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/aquagenic-urticaria#diagnosis
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