Allergy to Water?

[jamieandshirley]

I was told when I was in my teens that I was allergic to water.  I need to know if this is or can be true.  All that happens is that when I get out of the shower, sweat, in the pool, very high humidity I get little red spots mostly on my torso that itch very badly.  But once I dry off really good then they go away.  I have found that using powder right after my shower speeds the drying process of course.  Please get back with me as now that I have grown most people do not believe me at all and say that I am lying.  All I can say is that what my dermatologist told me.  Please let me know.  By the way I can drink water just makes me itch when it gets on me and has ever since my mom and I can remember.

Thank You,
Shirley Adams  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Itching even after sweating can be due to release of histamine.For aquagenic pruritis or urticaria,liberal applications of baby oil before or after bathing, or lanolin-free Aqueous cream, an emollient, immediately after drying off from a bath or shower can help to reduce the symptoms of the condition and may help with itching.
Hope it helps.Take care and regards.

[jamieandshirley]

Thank you for your input.  I really appreciate it.  How could I go about getting this in professional writing from a doctor.  And is there hope of me being able to get out of the shower without itching at all?  I have always wanted that.  Also does this explain why when I sweat or when there is high humidity that I break out also?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Water urticaria, or aquagenic urticaria, is a rare condition in which hives develop within 1 to 15 minutes after contact with water. The hives last for 10 to 120 minutes and do not seem to be caused by histamine release like the other physical hives. Most investigators believe that this condition is actually exquisite skin sensitivity to additives in the water such as chlorine but distilled water can also cause this reaction.

Water urticaria is diagnosed by applying tap water and distilled water to the skin and observing the reaction. Contact dermatitis can be diagnosed from your symptoms and physical examination. Blood tests and x-rays are not helpful.

Treatment of water urticaria includes epinephrine, antihistamines, or cortisone-like drugs. Itching can be controlled with cold packs or commercial topical agents that contain menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, aloe, antihistamines, or cortisone preparations.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Aquagenic pruritus is a well known entity,and some people get spontaneous remissions,antihistamines help but do not cure.