Water allergies are a very rare condition that can cause itchy, red hives. It’s called aquagenic urticaria, and it can affect people of all ages.
It may occur suddenly and without any warning. The hives develop within minutes of contact with water, regardless of its temperature.
Aquagenic urticaria
Aquagenic urticaria is a very rare condition that can cause itchy, red hives and swelling when your skin comes into contact with water. The hives and swelling can be uncomfortable, but the rash usually fades within 30 to 60 minutes after it occurs.
The condition can be itchy and can also make it difficult for people with it to take showers, swim or use the bathroom. Some people are very nervous about having a reaction to water, and this can lead to stress and anxiety.
There isn’t a cure for the condition, but treatment can help alleviate symptoms. Your doctor can recommend antihistamines to calm the hives that can develop after contact with water.
You can also learn how to cope with the condition. Your doctor can provide information about support groups that are available in your area and online. You can connect with these groups to get connected with other patients who have the same symptoms as you.
If you have a history of hives after exposure to water, it is important to see a doctor who specializes in treating urticaria and other chronic inflammatory conditions. They will check your hives and look for other causes of rashes.
The diagnosis is often based on a water challenge test, which is a test that allows doctors to assess whether you are having an allergic reaction to water. The doctor places a wet cloth on your chest for 20 minutes and checks if you have an itchy rash.
In addition, the doctor can perform a physical exam to check for other signs of an allergic reaction such as itching or swelling of the throat. Your doctor may also take a blood sample and do other tests to see what your body’s allergic response is to water.
The treatment for aquagenic urticaria involves using antihistamines and other medications to control your symptoms. These can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. You can also try avoiding water or other substances that make you itch or swell.
Itchy hives
Itchy hives are one of the symptoms that can occur when someone is allergic to water. These itchy hives form when the body’s immune cells release chemicals called histamine into the blood.
These hives may appear immediately or up to two hours after exposure to water. They typically last 30 minutes to 2 hours and then go away on their own.
If you are experiencing a water allergy, avoid swimming in cold waters and carry an epinephrine auto-injector to use if you experience any serious symptoms. Also, take antihistamines before you are exposed to water.
Your allergist can help you manage your hives by prescribing medication that can block the production of histamine in your body. You should take these medications regularly – at least once a day – to prevent the formation of hives.
In some cases, hives can be a sign of anaphylaxis, which is a severe reaction that requires immediate treatment with injectable epinephrine. Epinephrine opens airways and raises blood pressure to reduce swelling and hives.
Most people with hives are able to control their condition with simple lifestyle changes, including avoiding triggers. However, hives can be persistent for some people.
The most common hives are those that appear as itchy red welts on the skin. These welts can be small and round, or large and irregular in shape. They can spread and form patches known as plaques.
Itching and pain from the hives may be intense. Itching may be relieved by frequent baths or by applying an anti-itch cream or gel.
Symptoms of chronic hives can last for months or years and usually appear along with other symptoms such as heat, exercise or stress. Some patients are unable to pinpoint the cause of their hives, but they may have an underlying medical condition.
Some cases of hives are caused by food allergies or insect stings. In these cases, your doctor will need to examine you and try to figure out what is causing your hives. Your physician can help you keep a diary of the foods that you eat. This will help identify the culprits.
Swelling
Swelling is a common symptom of water allergies. It can be a serious problem if the swelling is severe or if the affected area of the skin is large. It can be itchy and painful. A health care provider will look at the affected areas and ask questions about your symptoms.
A doctor can often diagnose a water allergy by hearing about your symptoms. They can also give you a test to see if you have one. This involves putting room temperature water on your skin and watching it carefully for a reaction.
Typically, a reaction occurs within 20 to 30 minutes of the water making contact with your skin. It usually goes away on its own, but it’s always a good idea to call your doctor or go to the hospital if you’re having trouble breathing.
There are some people who don’t react to water at all. These people have what’s called an “immune deficiency.”
They are unable to produce an enzyme that is essential for keeping their immune system in balance. In some cases, this can cause swelling in the throat, bowel or other parts of the body.
But in most cases, a person with an allergic reaction to water will get itching and redness when they touch or swim in water. They might even develop hives (urticaria).
If you think you have an allergic reaction to water, talk to your doctor. They can give you antihistamines to help stop the itching and redness from getting worse. They can also recommend steroid shots to reduce itching and swelling.
A lot of people with water allergies are able to control their symptoms by taking antihistamines regularly. These can be found over the counter without a prescription. They take about one to two hours to work, but they can help stop the itching and swelling.
A doctor may also prescribe a special drug that blocks the effects of an enzyme that is not working properly. This is called a C1-inhibitor.
Shortness of breath
If you have a severe allergy, shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms. It usually happens within minutes of eating something that you’re allergic to, and can be dangerous if you don’t get immediate medical attention.
It can be uncomfortable to feel short of breath, especially if you’ve just run a sprint or climbed several flights of stairs. It can also happen if you’re having a cold or feeling anxious.
Depending on the cause, it can be treated with medication to help you breathe easier, or by changing your lifestyle habits. For example, if you’re overweight, you may need to change your diet and exercise more often. You might also need to stop smoking or avoid other triggers that make your symptoms worse.
You might also have to learn breathing exercises that will help you breathe better. Your doctor can show you these exercises or prescribe them for you.
Some people who have chronic shortness of breath can also benefit from physical therapy. Physiotherapy can help you learn breathing techniques, improve your strength and endurance and teach you how to control your emotions.
It can help you manage your condition and prevent future episodes of shortness of breath. You might also need to take special medications, such as bronchodilators or steroids, which can relax your airways and reduce swelling in your lungs.
A handheld fan can also help relieve shortness of breath by blowing air across your face and nose. It may not improve symptoms that are caused by an underlying condition, however, so it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before trying this remedy.
Most shortness of breath can be managed with medications and proper breathing techniques. Occasionally, it can be a sign of a serious health problem, such as a heart attack or blood clot in the lungs.
You should always call your healthcare provider if you have sudden or severe shortness of breath, especially if you have other symptoms, such as blue skin, lips or nails, fast or irregular heartbeat, or stridor or wheezing when breathing. Getting treatment quickly can save your life.
