'Even Drinking Water Burns My Throat', Rare Water Allergy Leaves UK Woman In Agonising Pain- What Is Aquagenic Urticaria?

For most of us, a hot or even a cold shower is luxury. For 26-year-old mom Joanna Watkins, it is torture. She has an extremely rare condition called Aquagenic Urticaria—a water allergy. From showering to tears, and even sweating, any exposure to water triggers intense burning, itching, and hives that last for hours on end.And this is the kicker—she developed this condition in pregnancy. What started out as some minor irritation of the skin soon became excruciating pain with every drop of water. Now, something as ordinary as washing her hands, walking in the rain, or even drinking a glass of water is no longer routine—it's an act of courage.Here, we consider what it truly is to live in a body that rejects the most basic building block of life, how she manages motherhood within it all, and the larger conversation surrounding invisible illnesses that affect not only the body—but every aspect of daily living.This strange and mostly misjudged allergy to water has turned mundane daily activities into frightening experiences. From coping with her pregnancy to tending her toddler, Kendall navigates cautiously through her life, hoping for relief from a condition whose origins and essence are still poorly understood—by many physicians and medical researchers themselves. What is Aquagenic Urticaria?Aquagenic urticaria, also referred to as "water allergy," is a rare condition wherein the skin responds to contact with water at any temperature or level of cleanliness. Upon exposure, patients typically experience burning hives, redness, and itching within minutes. The condition is found in fewer than 100 people all over the world and occurs more often in women.In Kendall's instance, even sweat or tears from her can trigger a skin reaction that is painful. "When it started, it was like I was being stung all over my body with nettles," she recollects. "Now it is like someone has held a flame to my skin." Kendall first became ill at 15 years of age after breaking out in hives following a shower. She was initially kept under control using over-the-counter antihistamines like Piriton. Gradually, though, her condition worsened. It was not until 2021, nearly a decade later, that she was officially diagnosed by a dermatologist from the University Hospital of North Durham.Even after diagnosis, treatment and information regarding it is limited. "The GP didn't know what to do. It's just so odd a condition, not many people have it, and not many people have even heard of it," she says.Life at the Mercy of the WeatherHaving aquagenic urticaria has placed Kendall in a highly regimented lifestyle. She checks the weather every day, avoiding rain as well as hot, humid conditions. "If I find myself outside unexpectedly, my body reacts and it hurts so much," she says. Her exposure to water is so limited that she can take a shower or bath every other day—having someone close at hand in case her body closes up."I cry through the process. It takes two hours, though it only takes half an hour. It's that bad my body goes into shock," she says. During these episodes, Kendall needs someone to look after her son, demonstrating just how far this condition reaches into every area of her life. One of the hardest aspects of Kendall’s condition is how it impairs her ability to care for her child. “I’ve never been able to give my one-year-old son a bath. My mom has to do it for me,” she says, visibly distressed. Even drinking water causes a burning sensation in her throat, leaving her constantly dehydrated and exhausted.The illness has left her feeling alone and powerless. "At the moment, everything feels so humiliating. I just want a normal life where I can go out in the rain, have a shower, and bathe my son," she says.What Causes Aquagenic Urticaria?Though the exact cause is unclear, researchers have proposed two major theories:Interaction between water and sebum: Water may alter the skin's natural oils (sebum), stimulating mast cells to discharge histamines, resulting in hives.Water as a carrier: Water may dissolve foreign allergens or irritants on the skin, inducing an immune reaction.Due to the infrequency of the condition, studies are few and facts are mostly anecdotal or case-study oriented.Can Water Allergy be Treated?There is not yet a verified treatment for aquagenic urticaria. It is treated symptomatically with a variety of the following:Oral antihistamines: Often the first line of therapy.Topical therapy: In the form of corticosteroid cream and skin barriers.Phototherapy: UV therapy to desensitize the skin.Other medication: Including drugs used for asthma, anabolic steroids, and SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).Unfortunately, due to the fact that she is pregnant, Kendall's treatment opportunities are now minimal. "They've tried many different medications, but I continued to react. I still have not found anything that works," she says. After she delivers her baby, she would like to return to attempting more aggressive treatment.Kendall is sharing her story in the belief that someone out there will be able to tell her something new about her condition, or suggest a new lead in treatment. "I do hope that someone might ring up and know what to do," she says.Her vulnerability and resilience come across in every sentence. Though aquagenic urticaria is a medically rare condition, its psychological effect on sufferers and their families is very real.

'Even Drinking Water Burns My Throat', Rare Water Allergy Leaves UK Woman In Agonising Pain- What Is Aquagenic Urticaria?

Quick Stories

Pollution Can Influence Cognitive Decline - Alzheimer's And Parkinsons Linked To Poor Air

‘Mounjaro Stole My Booty’: Woman Who Lost 84 Pounds Reveals Nasty Side Effects Of The Weight Loss Drug

You're Hurting Your Health If You Are Doing This While Showering

Health Conditions A-Z

Pollution Can Influence Cognitive Decline - Alzheimer's And Parkinsons Linked To Poor Air

RFK Jr. Removes Entire CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee

Measles Outbreak Update: Pennsylvania And Michigan Report An End, While Cases Slow Down In Many States