Los Angeles Allergist

Los Angeles Allergist

Alan Khadavi, MD, APC
  • Home
  • Meet Dr. Khadavi
  • Conditions We Treat
  • Your First Visit
  • Insurance Accepted
  • Allergy and Asthma Info
    • Asthma Info
    • Allergic Rhinitis
    • Allergic Triggers
  • Blog
  • Media
  • Contact Us

9001 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 204
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: 310-282-8822

16260 Ventura Blvd., Suite 140
Encino, CA 91436
Phone: 818-528-7776

September 13, 2022 by Alan Khadavi

Can you be allergic to water? (Aquagenic Urticaria)

Can you be allergic to water? The answer is yes, although it is very rare. The medical term for it is called, aquagenic urticaria. It is a form of chronic hives that is characterized by the occurrence of itchy wheals after skin contact with water, such as bathing or swimming. The signs and symptoms of aquagenic urticaria commonly develop within 30 minutes after exposure to water and last 30 to 60 minutes. The bumps are usually 1 to 2 mm in size on the exposed areas of the skin. Other signs and symptoms can include swelling, headache, wheezing, difficulty breathing and some cases anaphylaxis.

The diagnosis is based on the persons history and testing. Recommendations to test is by placing a towel soaked with water on the patients trunk for up to 40 minutes. The result is positive when wheals are present at the test site 10 minutes after removal of the towel. The water temperature should be about 35-37 degrees Celsius.

Aquagenic urticaria should be differentiated from aquagenic pruritis (itch without skin changes to water) and other forms of cholinergic urticaria (cold and heat).

The rash from aquagenic urticaria occur in local areas regardless of water temperature. Aquagenic urticaria can be classified as familial (approximately 20%) and acquired (approximately 80%). In patients with aquagenic urticaria, skin contact with tap water was the most common trigger reported. Patients can also have symptoms related to water ingestion. Body fluids including sweat, saliva and tears have also been reported.

The typical treatment is second generation H1 antihistamines (such as Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra). Topical therapies most often do not work. Updosing is usually needed with antihistamines to achieve control. Using them up to 4 x a day may be necessary. Xolair (omalizumab) has been used successfully as well. Phototherapy has been used by some patients as well.

If you or someone you know thinks they may be allergic to water, they should see an allergist to determine the best treatment for them.

 

Filed Under: Allergy Medicine, Blog

alan-khadavi
Dr. Alan Khadavi
Allergy & Asthma Specialist

Latest Posts

January 22, 2023

Is Benadryl Safe to use, or is it Time to Move on?

is benadryl safe

January 12, 2023

Airsupra for Asthma, a new rescue medication

airsupra

December 26, 2022

Cantaloupe Allergy comes in many flavors

cantaloupe allergy

December 23, 2022

Remibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor for Chronic Hives

remibrutininb

November 21, 2022

Eczema and Hard Water, is there a link?

eczema and hard water

November 19, 2022

Nucala, Fasenra or Dupixent for Severe Eosinophilic Asthma?

nucala fasenra dupixent

November 18, 2022

Xolair for idiopathic angioedema

xolair for idiopathic angioedema

September 29, 2022

When will my child outgrow egg allergy?

outgrow egg allergy

September 13, 2022

Can you be allergic to water? (Aquagenic Urticaria)

allergic to water

September 8, 2022

Oclacitinib for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Dogs

oclacitinib

Read More Posts...

Follow Us…

© 2023 Allergy Los Angeles. All Rights Reserved · Log in · Return to top of page