A Canadian teenager experienced recurring hives whenever her skin contacted water, including during bathing, swimming, or rain exposure. Symptoms appeared within 20 minutes and lasted 30 to 60 minutes.
The 100 documented cases of aquagenic urticaria make this condition extremely rare. Doctors confirmed the diagnosis through a provocation test using room-temperature water on the patient's skin.
The patient had been symptomatic for two years following the onset of menstruation. Known allergies to dust, rabbits, and cats did not correlate with her water-induced reactions.
Treatment with daily cetirizine, an antihistamine, resolved symptoms completely when taken consistently. After 14 months, the patient reported normal daily activities without restrictions.