Water allergy: symptoms, causes and how to deal with it

Water is one of the necessities of human life that cannot be replaced. Imagine if you have to survive one day without water, it sounds impossible right?

Unfortunately, there are some people who have to be careful when using it. They usually suffer from allergies to the skin caused by water.

What is aquagenic urticaria?

A water allergy is a fairly rare type of allergic reaction, but it can happen to anyone. Allergies, which have a medical term in the form of aquagenic urticaria, cause allergic reactions in the form of hives and rashes.

These allergic skin reactions occur when the sufferer comes into contact with water, regardless of temperature. This condition is a form of urticaria and the cause is still not known with certainty.

According to a 2011 report from the Annals of Dermatology, less than 100 cases of aquagenic urticaria have been reported. This skin problem is also more common in women who have gone through puberty.

Most cases occur unevenly. However, there are several reports that show family members who suffer from water allergies also experience the same thing. Therefore, this is what makes aquagenic urticaria quite rare.

Causes of aquagenic urticaria

Until now, experts and skin specialists are still trying to study the causes of skin allergies due to water further. The reason is, this one case of allergic reaction is quite rare and many experts believe that this condition is not passed down through genes in the family.

However, there are some things that are very likely to trigger an allergic reaction when someone touches the trigger.

First, addictive chemical compounds contained in water, such as chlorine, are suspected to cause reactions. This means that the symptoms of a skin allergy that appear do not occur due to contact with the water itself, but rather by the presence of chemicals in it.

Second, it is possible that your skin contains substances that produce toxic compounds when it interacts with water. As a result, the immune system will release histamine in response to fight substances that are considered dangerous (allergens).

This release of histamine then triggers symptoms similar to an allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, and burning on the skin. Researchers have yet to know for sure why the reaction between water and particles or natural substances in the body can produce toxins.

Symptoms of a water allergy

In general, allergy symptoms on the skin will not only appear when you come into direct contact with water while bathing. You can also experience an allergic reaction when you sweat, get caught in the rain, or even when you cry.

In some cases, signs of this type of allergy can also occur when the sufferer drinks large amounts of water. The following are some of the reactions that may arise when people with water allergies come into direct contact with the trigger.

rashes and bumps,
the skin feels itchy and sore, as well
experiencing a burning sensation on the skin.

The symptoms mentioned above will usually occur in the neck, arms, and upper body. This condition also appears 30 minutes to an hour after you dry yourself. Most patients will experience symptoms if exposed for long enough and large amounts of water.

There are times when brief amounts of exposure to allergic triggers do not cause any reaction.

When should I see a doctor?

In addition to skin in direct contact with water, water allergies can also appear when you drink. In rare cases, you may experience symptoms such as sore, itchy, and burning throat when drinking large amounts of water.

In more severe cases, an allergic reaction can cause symptoms:

rash around the mouth,
difficulty swallowing, and
difficulty breathing.

If you experience some of the signs above, consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.

How to diagnose this condition?

Initially, the diagnosis of water allergy or aquagenic urticaria was based on the signs and symptoms that appeared. Then, the doctor may perform an allergy skin test by testing the water on the patient's body.

During the testing process, the upper body will be compressed with 35ºC water for 30 minutes. The upper body was chosen because other areas, such as the legs, are believed to be exposed to less water.

Before starting the test, the doctor will also tell you not to take anti-allergic drugs, such as antihistamines.

If the water compress test is negative, your doctor may wash certain areas of your body with water or ask you to take a shower. This further test is done to really determine whether the allergic reaction you are experiencing is not caused by water.

Water allergy medications and treatments

Due to the scarcity and limited cases, experts are still looking for effective ways to treat water allergies. Unlike allergy treatments in general, avoiding allergy triggers, namely water, is not easy.

Therefore, doctors will usually provide high doses of skin allergy therapy and drugs that need to be taken every day. Anything?

Antihistamines to control symptoms, such as itching and rashes.
Creams or ointments to reduce the amount of water that gets into the skin.
Ultraviolet light therapy (phototherapy) to treat the symptoms that occur.
Omalizumab, an injectable drug used for people with severe asthma.

Please consult a doctor first before using the drugs above.

How to prevent allergic reactions from recurring

In addition to getting treatment from a doctor, you also need to prevent skin allergies and pay attention to your lifestyle and be more careful. Here are some things to watch out for when you are allergic to water.