Water is vital for life on Earth, as all animals and plants depend on it for survival. Humans need to drink enough water every day for our bodies to function properly. However, there is a rare case where water becomes a source of discomfort and irritation for some individuals.
What is Aquagenic Urticaria?
Urticaria is the medical term used to describe the red, itchy, raised rash, more commonly known as hives. About one-fifth of the global population have packs at some point since this is a common ailment.
However, there is a particular form of hives called aquagenic urticaria, with only about 50 confirmed cases reported in the medical literature. Aquagenic urticaria, or water allergy, is a sporadic form of hives that involves the formation of rashes and swelling of the skin when a person comes into contact with water.
The rash caused by water allergy is made of small, raised bumps, usually from one to three millimeters, surrounded by larger, reddened areas. The spots typically itch and may appear on the neck, arms, and upper torso, although they can also grow on other body parts.
The rash typically disappears after 30 to 60 minutes, but the affected person may develop other symptoms such as dizziness, wheezing, shortness of breath, headache, and fainting. Allergic reactions can also be internal and may spread to other body systems, such as the gastrointestinal tract.
Doctors and researchers are still mystified as to what causes water allergy. It is assumed that something on the skin reacts with water and causes the rash. There is also a theory that the water itself does not cause the hives but by a substance dissolved in it.
Most cases of aquagenic urticaria begin shortly after puberty and are most common in females. This condition is particularly challenging because even contact with sweat and tears can trigger a reaction. Other water sources, such as rain, snow, freshwater, and seawater, can also trigger hives.
Physicians may suspect aquagenic urticaria when a person shows a history of rash after water exposure. However, similar rashes can also be caused by heat, cold, pressure, and other factors. The basis for diagnosing water allergy is the "water challenge test," where a wet compress is placed on a person's chest to be checked for rash after 20 minutes.
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Coping With Water Allergy
There is little interest in finding treatments for water allergy since only so few people have acquired this condition. For those who suffer from aquagenic urticaria, they manage the symptoms either with antihistamines or by applying creams and other barriers. Other options include ultraviolet light therapy and omalizumab.
Since water is typically part of our daily activities, being allergic to it presents some challenges to the affected individuals. For instance, they can still drink water, but they have to ensure it does not touch their skin to avoid allergic reactions. When it comes to bathing and showering, patients need to clean themselves less frequently using alcohol-based cleansers.
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