Are you allergic to water? If so, you may be wondering what triggers the allergic reaction. There is actually a rare condition called aquagenic urticaria. People who suffer from this condition experience hives and bumps on their skin after exposure to water. This reaction is usually triggered by prolonged skin contact with water, and is not caused by dehydration. There is no known cure for aquagenic urticaria, but there are ways to manage the symptoms.
The cause of water allergies is unknown, but scientists believe that chemicals in tap water cause allergic reactions. These chemicals include fluorine and chlorine. The bodies’ immune systems attack the chemicals and mistake water for something bad. However, there may be genetic components to this condition. According to MD Health, people with the condition may have a genetic predisposition to water allergies. Water allergies may be misdiagnosed as a chemical allergy because they can cause throat blisters.
Antihistamines are the most common treatment for water allergy. They are usually prescribed when symptoms occur. Second-generation antihistamines are much less drowsy than older formulas. Barrier creams are also prescribed for water-sensitive skin. Undergoing ultraviolet light therapy can also toughen skin and make it less sensitive to water. Most people with this condition experience reactions on the palms and soles of their feet, but they rarely occur on other parts of the body.
