Aquagenic Urticaria?

[OldFatChick]

I really don't have a rash, but when I take a shower I will itch like crazy for a while while I am drying off and for a while after.  There is no rash just horrific itching. It happens other times as well, generally on my upper arms, but it  sometimes affects other areas.  I have been researching and the description of the itching sounds a lot like what I am dealing with.

[OldFatChick]

I thought that was a possibility, but it doesn't happen all the time and there isn't a rash. It is usually only on my upper arms and torso.  Can't see anything, just itches dreadfully.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
What you seem to be having is called aquagenic urticaria. 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. It is diagnosed by applying tap water and distilled water to the skin and observing the reaction.

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.  My advice would be to get it evaluated from an allergist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.