Aquagenic Urticaria

Aquagenic urticaria or water hives is an uncommon condition that occurs in some people when they come in contact with water. The body breaks out into itchy and painful hives once the body makes contact with with water. Aquagenic urticaria is a sub-type of physical urticaria which is caused by an external irritation, in this case water. Occurrence of hives may start five minutes after exposure to water and may last up to 30 minutes or longer. Hives appear as small welts and spots of redness with itchiness and pain. Aquagenic hives do not seem to be caused by histamine release like the other physical hives. Most researchers consider that this condition is the skin sensitivity to additives in the water such as chlorine.

Symptoms of Aquagenic Urticaria:

Aquagenic urticaria causes itching of the skin to itch and in some cases burning sensation. Swelling may also occur on the skin. Eyes may feel dry and sore when a person takes a shower. When exposed to high water temperatures, hives formation is accelerated. Swelling in the throat can occur when drinking water which can block the airway passage causing shortness of breath.

Diagnosis of Aquagenic Urticaria:

Aquagenic urticaria is diagnosed by applying both distilled and tap water on the skin. A reaction is commonly seen with tap water. A reaction generally occurs in few minutes when the skin comes in contact with water.

Treatments and precautions for Aquagenic Urticaria:

Avoiding water can be tough and almost impossible. People suffering with Aquagenic Hives will have to keep away from water or limit to minimal contact of water. Going out in rains should be avoided as this can cause a break out in hives. Also, one should take quick showers to avoid appearance of hives. Crying and sweating can cause an outbreak of hives that causes pain and itching. Swimming is out of question and must be avoided. In some cases, it has been found that drinking water based beverages causes swelling of the lips and tongue.

Antihistamine medications will not help in treating Aquagenic Hives because these hives are not caused due to histamine release in the body. Although, topical sprays can be used in order to reduce itching of the skin.

Barrier creams such as petroleum jelly can be used - this will create a layer on the skin that can delay a reaction on exposure to water. UV light treatments are available to treat this condition but results aren't 100 percent.

Aquagenic hives is a rare skin condition that occurs in few people. The above article can help people suffering from Aquagenic hives.