Water Allergy

The other name for water is life as life would not have existed on this planet if there was no water. The presence of oceans, seas, rivers, and ponds has made life possible in the earth. However, some people suffer from water allergy which can make life miserable for them. Water allergy, clinically known as aquagenic pruritus, is a very rare condition where the person is allergic to water. The typical manifestation of water allergy is itching of the skin when the body comes in contact with water. Most commonly, sufferers get prickly itch in their body when they take shower or go for a swim. The severity of the allergy depends on the temperature of the water. Unlike other allergies, there are no such rashes or skin lesions seen in water allergy. If you wish to know more about water allergy, causes, symptoms, and treatment of it, then scroll through the next section. Please note this information is just for your education purposes. If you have any of the symptoms of water allergy, never hesitate to consult a physician.

Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Of Water Allergy

Causes

The exact cause of water allergy is uncertain, although some researchers believe that this kind of allergy results from extreme skin sensitivity to added ingredients in water including the mineral deposits, chlorine, fluoride, or such other ingredients. Some researchers believe that water allergy can be linked to other disorders like polycythemia vera, juvenile xanthogranuloma, hypereosinophilic syndrome, and myelodysplastic syndrome.

Symptoms

The most prominent symptom of water allergy is mild-to-severe prickly itching as soon as the skin comes in contact with water. Many people also complain of itchiness after a sudden drop in temperature or while exposed to extreme cold temperature. Water allergy does not manifest any external symptoms like rash or hives which is common in other allergies. The itchiness can last for a few minutes to few hours depending upon the sensitivity of the skin and degree of allergy of the person.

Treatment

People, who are allergic to water, get itchiness in their body as soon as they come in contact with water. Applying oil based cream or gel to the body before going for swimming or before taking bath gives some relief to the sufferers. As the oil form a coating on the body, the extent of itchiness reduces to a considerable amount. Some people get more itchiness when exposed to cold water. They can get some relief by using warm water.
People suffering from water allergy should avoid prolonged stays in water as this can increase their level of discomfort and itchiness.
Using cotton clothes and linen fabrics also help to minimize the symptoms. Nylons and synthetic materials may increase discomfort. Sufferers should use 100% cotton towels to dry up themselves.
Those who are extremely allergic may get benefited from phototherapy with Psoralen UVA or filtered UVB.
Taking spicy and fried food, consuming alcohol, and coffee can aggravate the allergic condition. So it is wise to keep away these food items.
Sometimes people get itching after having a shower due to the mineral content of the water. Using showerheads with filters attached can be helpful. Installing a water purifier at home also proved to be beneficial in certain cases. However, please remember that all itchiness that occurs after exposure to water is not water allergy. If your skin itches after exposure to water, consult a dermatologist as soon as possible before starting any medication.

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