Water allergy: Symptoms and the 6 most effective treatments
Water allergy, also known as aquagenic urticaria, is a rare skin reaction that occurs after contact with water. What are its symptoms and how can it be effectively treated?
What is water allergy?
Imagine that an unpleasant itchy rash appears on your skin after every contact with water. This includes everyday situations such as washing your hands, showering, or even when you get caught in a rain shower.
Water allergy is a rare condition that was first described in 1964. Since then, only a few dozen cases have been reported worldwide.
Causes of water allergy
The exact causes of this unpleasant itchy rash from water are not yet known to scientists, but there are two main theories. According to one, allergens or chemicals in the water may be to blame. The second theory focuses on the interaction of water with particles on the skin, such as residues from cosmetic products, which can trigger an immune response. The water itself may not be the direct cause.
Symptoms of water allergy
Aquagenic urticaria can appear anywhere on the body in the form of red spots, but most commonly affects the neck, arms, and upper torso. It manifests itself through a number of unpleasant symptoms that usually appear within 2 to 30 minutes after contact with water. The main symptoms include:
– rash,
– itching,
– burning,
– redness.
These symptoms usually subside within 30 to 60 minutes after contact with water.
Some skin problems may resemble a water allergy but have different causes. For example, a rash after shaving, which often occurs as a result of skin irritation from a dull razor, improper shaving technique, or the use of unsuitable cosmetics, causes redness and itching similar to aquagenic urticaria.
How is water allergy diagnosed and treated?
Because the symptoms of water allergy can resemble other types of allergic reactions (e.g., cold or heat urticaria), doctors usually perform a provocation test, in which a wet bandage at a temperature of 36 °C is applied to the patient's chest for 20 to 30 minutes.
Treatment for aquagenic urticaria focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing reactions, as it is not possible to avoid water and thus limit contact with the allergen.
Treatment options:
1. Antihistamines
Medications such as Xados, Zyrtec, Zodac, Aerius, or Atarax help relieve unpleasant itching and redness. They work by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that triggers an allergic reaction.
2. Adding baking soda to bath water
Baking soda can adjust the pH of the water, helping to relieve skin irritation that occurs after contact with water. However, if you have sensitive skin or skin problems, consult your doctor about its use.
3. Barrier creams
Barrier creams, such as Dermaguard, create a protective layer on the skin, minimizing direct contact between water and the skin. You can purchase Dermaguard in our e-shop.
4. Anticholinergics and serotonin reuptake inhibitors
These drugs affect the nervous system and processes in the body that lead to allergic symptoms. They are mainly used in more severe forms of aquagenic urticaria when other treatments are not effective.
5. Phototherapy
This method uses UV light to reduce the skin's sensitivity to water.
6. Biological treatment (Omalizumab)
Omalizumab suppresses the body's excessive immune response associated with allergic symptoms. This medication is suitable for patients with severe symptoms who do not respond to other treatments.
You should always consult your doctor about the appropriate treatment.
Allergy to chlorinated water
In addition to allergic rashes from water, some people experience irritation caused by chlorinated water. Although it is often referred to as an allergy to chlorinated water, the more accurate term is hypersensitivity. Chlorine cannot cause a true allergic reaction, but it can severely irritate the skin and respiratory tract. This can lead to swelling, narrowing of the airways, and increased mucus production.
Breathing difficulties upon contact with chlorine can occur in anyone, but people with asthma are more sensitive and their reactions tend to be more severe.
According to some studies, frequent swimming in chlorinated pools or the use of chlorine-based cleaning products even increases the risk of developing asthma in children and adults.
Allergy to hard water
There is no such thing as an allergy to hard water, but regular contact with hard water can damage the protective barrier of the skin in more sensitive individuals. Hard water has an alkaline pH, which disrupts the skin's naturally acidic environment. This increases the pH of the skin, which can weaken its natural defenses and cause irritation.
According to a study published in September 2017 in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, softening water, i.e., removing calcium and magnesium ions, can reduce the negative effects of hard water on the skin.
Conclusion
Water allergy is a rare condition that significantly complicates the daily lives of those affected. However, thanks to modern treatments and products such as Dermaguard, its effects can be effectively alleviated.
Sources:
https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/disease-and-treatment/aquagenic-urticaria
https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/chronic-urticaria/aquagenic-urticaria/
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/what-is-aquagenic-urticaria
