Allergic to water... Aquagenic Pruritus

[khei83]

I have been suffering for the last 2 months about this problem, it started when I stopped taking Accutane; it seems that after my skin is exposed to water, such as swimming or bathing, my skin starts to have this prickly, itchy, burning sensation only on my arms and legs that lasts from 10 minutes to 20 minutes. The oddest thing is that I dont see any visible rash nor redness or any signs of irritation. I have been experimenting what to do to have some kind of relief but none seems to help or work. I have changed my soaps, shampoos, detergents, lotions, even tried to bathe on cold, hot or tepid water. I even started taking antihistamines 30 minutes before bathing time but none is helping. This condition frustrates me because I cannot enjoy the things I used to do- like taking a bubble bath, soak my self in a jacuzzi or take a swim. Is there anything I could do to stop or somehow resolve this problem? Please help...

[outlanderbz]

I am starting to wonder. I was on Minocycline for years before I went on Accutane and was "cured" of acne. I wonder if acne medications help with AP?

[skinitchintexas]

i know this is an old post, but...
i've had the water allergy (aquagenic pruritus for almost 4 years.  i'm currently taking accutane & it's almost completely gone away.  i was thinking that it was some sort of a cure.  i'm SOOOOO disheartened to hear that the itch comes back when the meds are stopped.  ;(((
i'll enjoy my itch-free days while they last, i guess.

[outlanderbz]

I realize this is almost 2 years old but I am curious to hear if you have had any success with this.  I also stopped accutane recently on 4/15/12 and a week later started getting this same issue as described below.

About 5 minutes after I shower I develop a severe itch, like pins, mostly in my lower legs, upper arms and upper back.  This has happened from swimming and sweating but not as severe.  This itch lasts for about 30-45 minutes.  It is severe and causes me to just lay there and try not to scratch.  There is not any sign of skin change such as color. no rash.  It varies in intensity but have been unable to tell what causes it to be less intense.


Things I have tried
new 100% cotton towel - pat dry
different temperature water
switch to sensitive skin Dove for men from fragrance Dove for men. Also tried sensitive skin Dove.
new wash sponge/loofa
different kinds of lotion, anti itch creams, creams before and creams after showering.
capsaicin cream when itching
Vaseline before showering on legs and arms

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, from your history it is clear that you having allergy to water or its contents. Very less has been known about water allergy. It can be due to exposure to allergens present in water in your area or due to ions in non-distilled water.

If you are allergic to water following measures will help you-
- Stay away from water as long as possible.
- Avoid going in rain outside.
- Keep yourself cool during summer as even sweating will cause reaction.
- Try boiling water before bath and as well can try hot water bath. Avoid showers.
- Dry yourself immediately as soon you finish your bath.  

If you want to enjoy the shower/water bath/ swimming then you can try anti histamines against prescription prophylactic i.e. one hour before the exposure.

I hope this will help you. Take care and regards.

[Caryopteris]

I would think if it is water it would be chlorine or something else that is added to the water.  You could get a whole-house water filter perhaps.

Also check for food allergies to the most common allergens:  Gluten (wheat, etc), dairy, nuts, soy.  Stopping consumption of a food you are allergic to should calm down all your allergies.

Good luck.