Unbelievable disease, but real
Known for the first time in medicine in 1964, aquagenic hives are an extremely rare form of skin disorder, so far only less than 100 cases have been recorded worldwide. When the skin comes into contact with water, whether it is clean water, rainwater, sweat or even tears, the patient will have red, itchy patches, accompanied by an unpleasant burning sensation. These reactions can last from a few minutes to hours after contact.
"This is not a water allergy in the usual sense, such as pollen allergy or food allergy, but an overly aggressive reaction in which water activates mast cells in the skin, causing them to release histamine - the inflammatory substance that causes skin to rash and swell red," explains Dr. Thomas Greiner - an immunologist at the National Institute of Allergy.
Diagnose is not easy
To determine the disease, doctors often conduct a water test: apply a towel to absorb the water and apply it to the patient's skin for 15 - 30 minutes and then monitor the reaction. The result was positive if a thorn appeared at the contact point. The disease often begins at puberty and regardless of gender, however, due to its rarity and manifestation that is easily confused with other allergies, many cases have not been diagnosed for many years.
There is no way to treat water hives, and of course, " avoiding contact with water" is unimaginable. Therefore, controlling symptoms is the main goal.
Typically applied methods include:
High-dose anti- histamine drugs (such as Cetirizine or Fexofenadine)
now, petroleum-containing topical medications to create a skin barrier before contact with water
Treatment sessions, use light to change the skin's immune response
In severe cases, doctors may prescribe Omalizumab (a biological drug for injection), or SSRIs and corticosteroids
"I once treated a patient who could not bathe under a lotus pipe without a full-body rash, and we had to instruct them to completely change their daily routine: use a wet towel, take a quick shower, wear waterproof clothes when it rains, and even limit their practice time to reduce sweating," said dermatologist Sh Avaamban, director of the Santa Monica Dermatology Institute, California.
Although it is an extremely rare disease, if you or someone you know has unusual symptoms after exposure to water, don't take it lightly. See a dermatologist or allergy doctor for a check-up. Early detection and timely intervention will help improve the quality of life for patients.
