Is my son allergic to water?

My son is 10 years old, and just this summer began breaking out in a rash when he is in the water or shortly after getting out.  It occurs in ocean, lake, pond or pool water, but not in the shower. The rash looks like hives and lasts maybe an hour at the most before going away. He complains of itching, but nothing else. This never happened before this summer. Our doctor said it's probably nothing, but I'm concerned. Could he be allergic to water?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms, aquagenic urticaria needs to be ruled out. Water urticaria, or aquagenic urticaria, is a rare condition in which hives develop within 1 to 15 minutes after contact with water. Water urticaria is diagnosed by applying tap water and distilled water to the skin and observing the reaction.

I suggest you to get the diagnosis confirmed from a dermatologist. I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep us posted on how you are doing.