Urticaria - Aquagenic

Hi H.,

Aquagenic (water) urticaria is not caused by a true allergy. True allergies are mediated by Immunoglobin E (IgE) and cause the release of histamine from mast cells. In the case of water urticaria, histamine is not released. What you're actually seeing is a hypersensitivity reaction of the skin to ions in the water. Salt water and chlorinated water are likely to evoke a greater response. The more the skin is sensitized, the more often you'll see the response and less stimulus will be necessary to evoke it.

This kind of hives is not dangerous, although they can be uncomfortable. Try having your son take sponge baths using de-ionized (distilled) water. If this works, consider adding a good water filter/purifier to the shower plumbing, such as what you might usually use for purifying tap water for drinking.

Because this is not a true allergy and histamine is not released, antihistamines (such as what your son was prescribed) are of questionable value, although it may help with itching. To the best of my knowledge, water urticaria is usually treated with a cream called capsaicin (Zostrix) that is applied directly to the irritated skin rather than taken orally. You might try taking your son to a dermatologist for treatment and advice, rather than an allergist.

1 mom found this helpful

There are so many toxins in all water sources these days... If I could afford to, I would get a whole house water filtration system from these guys:

http://oxygenozone.com/

The teenage girl who is allergic to WATER. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-520329/The-teenag...

Mother's allergy to water means she can't drink, bathe or wipe away her son's tears. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1172102/Mothers...

Perhaps filtered water would help? this company sells whole house filters and shower filters - http://allpurewater.com

It is pretty rare - maybe you should seek out a specialist, not just an allergist.

Good luck.

My mother, brother, and I all had/have urticaria from cold, cold water, and pressure. It causes itchy hives. My brother is like your son, cold water breaks him out immediately with a rash. I get it in the winter from cold; my feet and hands itch until I am driven crazy. I sometimes also itch from hot water. My mom (she's passed away now) and I also have it from pressure on our skin. A tight waist band on a pair of pants for instance; if digs into the skin, I get a long raised itchy weal all around where it pressed. It's common for me to get a hive from holding a plastic shopping bag on my arm on the way to the car even. Aside from this, we're healthy people. The doctor explained it to us as a body response, that was urging us to chafe that area, to bring the body temperature or circulation back to normal.

It kind of sounds like your son has something similiar. I deal with it by keeping my hands and feet warm during cold weather, by wearing loose clothes and trying not to let things press into my skin. My brother avoids cold water.

Hope the medication the doctor prescribed gives him some relief!

I just read this article, on CNN... here is the link:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/14/showerhead.bacteria/...

I really suggest reading it.... its very interesting about water from shower heads.

All the best,
Susan

Hi H.,

My son was recently diagnosed with Urticaria as well. He apparently is allergic to himself, but we don't know the triggers yet. I am leary of putting my son on meds, as the info the Dr. himself gave me said that it usually clears up by itself. I am thinking of going one round or anti-histamines, but if it doesn't work, not continuing. I really don't want my son to need them for the rest of his life. I wish you the best, and although I have no advice, I felt the need to respond as I found it interesting how my son was diagnosed with this (which no one I know had ever heard of) and now your son is as well. Odd.

have u tried putting a filter on your shower and bath? my cat was ripping his fur out i spent lots of money on vets then one day i gave him filtered water and it all ended from that day forward..some water in some cities has more chemicals in it..also have u been to a skin doc..perhaps they can give him a shot for his allergies and help him build up a resistance ..i go to Dr. Robert Seltzer in Pasadena

my mother was allergic to water too. for her is was connected to the temperature so she kept moving from cold climate to warm all her life, winning few years out of every move. finally she came to LA and sure enough it started after few years here as well. this was the time when i found out about homeopathy and that helped her a lot. we are now here close to 15 years and no plans to move to Arizona yet : ) Look up Mary Grace if you are in LA area she can do wonders for eczema.
Good Luck
V.

Hi H. - What a challenging allergy to have to deal with. When you say cold induced, do you mean he got a cold that triggered it? Or cold water/weather? I don't know about this specific condition, but I understand allergies can be triggered by immune system and that to increase bodies ability to function at it's best, a key focus should be on keeping your immune system strong and functioning properly. In addition to the remedies you use to keep him comfortable, I suggest you up his nutrition and water intake (can he drink water?) As a mom of 6,8 and 12 year old boys I know first hand how hard that can be. About 5 years ago we all got on Juice Plus capsules and chewables. It's a really easy way to make sure he's getting all the nutrition from fruits and vegetables that will help his immune system function better. I can't put the website here, but if you want more information just reply with your email and I'll send it to you. You can also listen to information on an 800 line ###-###-####. I pray that this passes soon for you and your son.

My son and I get that from to much clorine in a pool. Try different soaps with no dyes etc. White dove, Ivory. Could be allergic to soaps or laundry detergent your using. Might not be water at all. Good luck!