A 34-year-old woman says she has been experiencing painful hives for over 20 years whenever her skin comes into contact with water. She now washes her face only once a month and says even her own tears and sweat can cause a reaction.

Her unusual experience is connected to a rare condition called aquagenic urticaria, which is sometimes referred to as a 'water allergy'. But what really happens to the skin when someone with this condition comes into contact with water?

Living With a Severe Reaction to Water

Kimberlee Mills, a 34-year-old woman from Houston, Texas, said she began having painful reactions to water when she was around 12 years old. According to her account, touching water can cause her skin to develop itchy, burning and red hives.

Mills said she has struggled to find a way to wash without triggering a reaction. She now washes her face with water only once a month and prefers using rinse-free cleansers and other waterless products instead.

She also said that her own tears and sweat can trigger similar reactions, which makes common activities such as exercising or crying challenging. After years of dealing with these symptoms and seeing various doctors, Mills said she was eventually diagnosed with aquagenic urticaria after undergoing a water challenge test.

@everydaywithkym HVe you ever met someone who’s allergic to water?? #allergy #waterallergy #aquagenicurticaria #dayinmylife #dayinthelife #longervideos ♬ original sound - Kym | LIFESTYLE CREATOR

What is Aquagenic Urticaria?

Aquagenic urticaria is an uncommon long-term condition where the skin reacts to water, leading to the appearance of hives. This reaction can take place following contact with fresh water, salt water, sweat or tears, and it can happen no matter what temperature the water is.

The condition is sometimes referred to as a 'water allergy', but it is not classified as a typical allergy. Scientists are not completely sure why aquagenic urticaria happens, but some think that when water comes into contact with certain substances in the skin, it makes mast cells release histamine and other substances, which lead to the hives.

Aquagenic urticaria is very rare, and there have been only a few documented cases in medical studies. It can impact everyday tasks since it's not possible to avoid water entirely.

Signs and Symptoms of Aquagenic Urticaria

The primary symptom of aquagenic urticaria is the appearance of tiny, red or skin-coloured hives that form on the skin when it comes into contact with water. The hives typically show up quickly after someone is exposed and can lead to feelings of itchiness, heat or a stinging sensation.

The reaction usually happens in areas of skin that have been in contact with water, such as the chest, arms and back. The face, palms and soles are not often affected. The hives usually go away within 30 minutes to two hours once the skin is dry.

In some cases, individuals might also experience wheezing or have trouble breathing following prolonged contact with water. However, symptoms that affect the entire body are not very common.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors might use a water challenge test to find out if someone has aquagenic urticaria. During the test, a doctor places a damp cloth on the patient's skin, typically on the upper body, and leaves it there for about 20 minutes to see if there is a reaction. Other health conditions that might cause similar symptoms should also be ruled out.

There is no known cure for aquagenic urticaria, so the main goal of treatment is to ease symptoms and help people manage exposure to water. Antihistamines can help reduce hives and itching, and some individuals might use barrier creams or other treatments recommended by their doctor.

Since water is a part of daily life, individuals with aquagenic urticaria might need to adjust how they bathe and maintain personal hygiene. If someone frequently gets hives or other unusual skin reactions after coming into contact with water, they should talk to a doctor to find out the cause and appropriate treatment.

Aquagenic urticaria is a very rare condition where something as simple as touching water can cause a painful reaction. Even though it's commonly referred to as a 'water allergy', it's not actually a standard type of allergy, and scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what leads to it.

If someone keeps getting hives, itching or strange reactions whenever they touch water, it's a good idea to see a doctor. A proper medical checkup can help find out what's causing these symptoms and how they can be treated.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is aquagenic urticaria?
    Aquagenic urticaria is a rare condition where the skin reacts to water, causing hives.
  • What are the symptoms of aquagenic urticaria?
    Symptoms include tiny, red or skin-coloured hives that appear after water contact, causing itchiness, heat, or a stinging sensation.
  • How is aquagenic urticaria diagnosed?
    It is diagnosed using a water challenge test, where a damp cloth is placed on the skin to observe any reaction.
  • Is there a cure for aquagenic urticaria?
    There is no known cure, but symptoms can be managed with antihistamines and other treatments.
  • Can aquagenic urticaria affect daily life?
    Yes, it can impact daily tasks as it is difficult to avoid water entirely.
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