When you're allergic to water, walking in the rain is miserable

By Brian Alexander

People with water-caused hives can drink liquids because the allergic reaction occurs only when the outer skin contacts water

A few years ago, Dr. Alan Baptist, associate program director for allergy and immunology at the University of Michigan, faced one of the toughest allergy cases imaginable.

A young woman came to seek his help with migraine-like pain. Every time she came into contact with water she suffered headaches, along with reddish welts on her skin.

It turned out she was allergic. To water.

http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/22/10796511-when-youre-allergic-to-water-walking-in-the-rain-is-miserable

Hmm... I wonder....

Since my migraines made a turn for the worse about 12 years ago, I get very itchy/prickly skin after a shower or bath. So much so that I no longer shower in the evening as I'm likely to scratch until I bleed when I get to bed. If I shower in the morning, there are enough distractions afterwards to avoid scratching myself raw. I used to enjoy my daily showers, but now I avoid them as much as possible. My hands and feet seem to be unaffected but every where else - especially lower legs, arms and upper back itch/prickle for up to 2 hours after bathing.

I've mentioned it to the doctor several times, but none of the lotions prescribed have done any good. I had put it down to something in the tap water - either natural or man-made. But, perhaps it's the water and not its content.

I'm not aware of rain having the same effect, but then it's not all that often that I get saturated by the rain.

Thats interesting.......... and its defo not anything else your using in the shower? Soap / shampoo etc.......... ie does it happen if you just have a water shower and nothing else?

Makes no difference whether I use soap or shampoo or nothing at all. I've tried varying temperatures from teeth-chattering cold to almost scalding. Anything longer than about 15 seconds under the shower will cause the itching. Doesn't start immediately - approx 10 - 15 minutes after shower. The longer the shower, the more intense the itching.

It's also not restricted to the local town water supply, as the same effect occurs in other towns. It does seem to be more intense and longer lasting when I have a migraine. Not sure if it really is worse or just seems to be worse...