Water Allergy

Clinically, water allergy may also be termed as 'aquagenic pruritus'. This allergy manifests itself in the form of a typical itch which is induced by contact with water. Most sufferers have even expressed their sheer dislike towards bathing, due to the severe prickly itch that the condition develops. The allergy may appear with water at any temperature and usually there are no visible changes in the skin; unlike other allergies or skin conditions which have visible skin lesions or the like. Water allergy is among those conditions which are chronic by nature and in some patients, it is too stubborn to be treated by medications and other procedures.

Symptoms Caused by Water Allergy

Symptoms include severe, intense, prickly itching begins right after the skin comes in contact with water. Even getting exposed to a sudden drop in temperature or entering a cold room in humid weather, triggers severe itching. Symptoms become worse when the person is exposed to freezing temperatures. It has been observed that allergy from rainwater tends to be more severe than the one caused by normal tap water. And as mentioned, the itching may prolong for long hours post bathing. Most sufferers are misdiagnosed and treated with wrong medications for this condition. This is because of that it has no visible symptoms such as skin rashes, skin lesions or anything that sort off. So most doctors turn down such patients as psychoneurotic and prescribe them with medications, such as antidepressant or anxiolytics.

Water allergy is an idiopathic condition; meaning, it does not have any specific cause. Although, chemicals such as histamines are known to be released in the body as a response to contact with water, they are not the primary cause. This is due to the ineffectiveness of antihistamines on the condition. There are though, some medical conditions which could be related to this disorder. Common ones include hypereosinophilic syndrome and juvenile xanthogranuloma. Some more include, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndrome.

Treatment

As bathing may produce severe allergy to water, it is advisable to apply an oil based emollient to the body before bath. This would prevent the skin from coming in direct contact with water and hence, reduce the intensity of itching. It is also better to avoid prolonged stays in water, hot water or forcible showers. Some people develop the itching symptom post exposure to cold and so, they may find relief if they use warm water.

Another way to counter the symptoms is to make use of cotton bed sheets, quilts and clothing made of cotton. Materials such as synthetic clothes, woolen blankets and the like, would most likely, aggravate the condition. Also, dry yourself using towel made from 100% cotton. Do not delay in getting yourself dried, the more the water stays on the body, the more irritation it would cause.

Except mango, go for fresh fruits juices and lots of dark green vegetables. Keep aside alcohol, coffee, hot, spicy, fried fast foods. A combination of antihistamines which have a long-lasting effect and short acting antihistamines, help in reducing the intensity of itching. You can also apply capsaicin cream to the skin, in conjunction with the antihistamines.

For severe cases of itching, dermatologist may recommend their patients to go for phototherapy with Psoralen-UVA or filtered UVB. These procedures have been known to deliver promising results in most cases.

Although, not an easy ailment to manage, water allergy is can be managed of precautions are followed and medications are taken on time. Note that, not all incidences of itching which may occur soon after bathing, has to be a condition of water allergy. It might be some other conditions like contact dermatitis.