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yes, it’s true. there is a rare condition called aquagenic urticaria which causes people to have an allergic skin reaction to water.
“we just don’t know,” says dr. benjamin barankin, dermatologist, medical director and founder of toronto dermatology centre , when asked what causes a water allergy. “the water seems to cause a histamine release from mast cells in the skin that leads to hives, which is consistent with an allergy. mast cells are immune cells in connective tissue throughout the body. they regulate immune responses, blood vessel formation and dilation, and overall balance.”
barankin, who has served on the executive of the canadian dermatology association and is a sought-after investigator in clinical research trials on skin conditions and treatments, says that no one has a full understanding of why aquagenic urticaria happens or the factors that could put you at risk.
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boston university school of medicine researchers reviewed the diagnostic and management challenges of the condition in the journal of asthma and allergy, pointing to the lack of scientific study and the low numbers of people with the condition — estimated at about 50 cases in 2016. they findings showed that while there have been child-onset patients, aquagenic urticaria is more common in younger women and those with a family history. symptoms can dissipate with aging.
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besides being uncomfortable, urticaria can have an impact on mental health as well. in fact, according to a canadian review in allergy, asthma and clinical immunology of all types chronic urticaria — where hives can happen spontaneously or be linked to foods, infections, medications or insect stings — patients experience high levels of anxiety.
barankin says that urticaria is more commonly treated by an allergist, but it is seen in dermatology clinics periodically because of reactions to infections and medications. his clinic has a web page devoted to explaining urticaria .
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