Aqua Urticaria

[TVV]

Does anyone have an experience with this?

I was diagnosed with Aqua Urticaria about a 2 summers ago.

If my skin or lips come into contact with water I get a rash and/or welts.

If I go to the beach, or if it rains, my airways get tight. (from the moisture in the air?)

If I sweat or cry, I also gets welts and a rash.

I used to wear contacts, but the solution started to effect my eyes when everything else started.




Anyone heard of any of this before?

[TessLea]

I have an exercise induced form of Urticaria.  If I eat prior to exercise or don't take an allergy tab an hour before, I break out in a most horrible rash.  It began this past February.  I am an exercise nut and this has put a damper on my lifestyle.  You might want to read the following article, maybe you can get information there as well.  

http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/11_96/terrell.htmo

[mariamm]

A related discussion, aquagenic urticaria was started.

[National Jewish Health]

What you have described is called aquagenic urticaria and it is rare.  The following is an abstract that describes this condition occurring with extracutaneous, other than skin, manifestations.  You are welcome to share this with your doctor.

Authors
Full Name Baptist, Alan P. Baldwin, James L.
Institution Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy/Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Title Aquagenic urticaria with extracutaneous manifestations.
Source Allergy & Asthma Proceedings. 26(3):217-20, 2005 May-Jun.
Abstract Aquagenic urticaria (AU) is a rare form of physical urticaria in which contact with water evokes hives. Extracutaneous manifestations of AU have been described but have not been controlled successfully to date. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have not been used previously in the treatment of AU. The aim of this study was to describe a case of AU with extracutaneous manifestations, to describe a novel treatment approach, and to review the literature on AU. Our patient presented with urticarial lesions and migraine-like headaches after contact with any type of water. A variety of prophylactic medications including antihistamines, anticholinergics, and SSRIs, were used and, ultimately, were successful in controlling the patient's symptoms. AU is a rare condition that can have extracutaneous manifestations. Multiple classes of medications, including SSRIs, may be necessary in the treatment and prophylaxis of such patients. Additional research is needed into the pathogenesis of AU.