In rare cases, it is possible for a person to be physically allergic to water that touches the skin. A water allergy usually takes the form of a skin reaction that occurs when a person is exposed to water, such as while bathing or swimming, but it can rarely cause internal organ symptoms. The reaction of the skin will generally depend on the temperature of the water. There are two main types of water allergic conditions: cold urticaria Y aquagenic pruritus .
Cold urticaria is a condition in which a person may be allergic to water that is cold. He or she may experience skin irritation after direct contact with cold water. Although it tends to occur more frequently during swimming, the reaction can occur any time a person is exposed to cold water. The most common symptoms include bright red spots or swelling of the skin. In very rare cases, a person with cold urticaria may have difficulty breathing or have an increased heart rate after exposure.
The exact cause of cold urticaria is not conclusively proven, but it often runs in families. It can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as hepatitis, chickenpox, or mononucleosis. There is no cure for cold urticaria, but it tends to go away on its own within five years.
The other possible way a person could be allergic to water is a condition called aquagenic pruritus. This condition is different from cold urticaria because it can occur after contact with water at any temperature. Symptoms usually develop in the arms, chest, legs, or back. A person may start to notice a light red patch on their skin or experience itchiness after bathing or swimming, even if the water is lukewarm. Aquagenic pruritus has no proven cause or cure, but can possibly be treated with topical capsaicin.
People who have cold urticaria or aquagenic pruritus may need to take extra precautions to avoid serious reactions after exposure to water. During bathing or swimming, they may need someone to closely monitor them to make sure they can get prompt medical attention if they experience severe symptoms. Cold urticaria may be easier for a person to treat than water itch because they can more easily avoid cold water, whereas a person with water itch cannot realistically avoid water at all temperatures.
Although people with cold urticaria and aquagenic pruritus may experience skin reactions after exposure to water, it is usually not dangerous and they can still safely consume water. Some doctors believe that since the human body is made of water, it is impossible to be allergic to water. They believe that these conditions are not actually allergic to water and that cold urticaria and aquagenic pruritis are actually allergies to the minerals and other ingredients in the water, but not to the water itself.