Water & Allergies

It is possible for some people to be allergic to water, says Dr. Rob Danoff, health and fitness columnist for MSN. Aquagenic pruritis and aquagenic urticaria are two different types of water allergies, and they can make a person miserable.

Symptoms

• People who have aquagenic pruritis show symptoms, usually on their chest, arms, legs or back, after getting wet. Symptoms include itching, burning or a prickly sensation that occurs just minutes after exposure to water. These symptoms last anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours, says Danoff. A rash does not usually accompany the symptoms, but it can. Aquagenic urticaria produces hives when a person comes in contact with water. This condition is rare.

Causes

• No one knows for sure what causes a person to be allergic to water. A possible reason could be water additives, such as chlorine, fluoride or minerals in the water, combined with extreme skin sensitivity.

Treatments

• One treatment for aquagenic pruritis is capsaicin cream that you apply two to three times per day. Other options that you can discuss with your doctor are ultraviolet B phototherapy, leukotriene-receptor antagonists, antihistamines or beta-blockers. Aquagenic urticaria is typically treated with antihistamines.