A woman who recently appeared on the TV show “This Morning” disclosed her unusual allergy to water, which includes her own tears. Erin Cassidy, the guest on the ITV program with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, shared how she first noticed the signs of her water allergy during swimming lessons in school.
Erin explained that her allergic reactions began at the age of 14 after a swimming session with her school, causing burning and itching sensations on her chest. Despite initially attributing the reactions to chlorine, she later experienced similar symptoms while bathing, showering, and sweating, which persisted from her teenage years to her current age of 24.
During the show, Erin discussed her condition, known as aquagenic urticaria, with Doctor Zoe Williams. She recounted her struggles with doctors who repeatedly dismissed her symptoms until a new GP diagnosed her with a water allergy after thorough examination.
Aquagenic urticaria leads to hives upon contact with water, typically appearing within 20-30 minutes but sometimes taking longer. The rash usually disappears within an hour once the skin is dry, although additional symptoms may occur in some cases.
Medical experts have not pinpointed the exact cause of aquagenic urticaria but suggest that dissolved materials in water may trigger allergic reactions rather than the water itself. While some individuals may see the condition resolve over time, others like Erin may experience prolonged effects.
Although there is currently no universal treatment for aquagenic urticaria, researchers continue to explore potential remedies for the condition. Diagnosis often involves a water challenge test, where a wet compress is applied to the chest to observe any rash development. Doctors also consider eliminating other potential causes of skin reactions before confirming the diagnosis.