Aquagenic Pruritis: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Aquagenic pruritis usually begins in pre-adolescence. I was ten when I developed the condition. The attacks may come and go randomly, brought on by changes in your water or even your hormones. You may get them frequently or rarely, every night for a week and then not again for months. The condition can go dormant for years and then return just when you thought it was in the past. Usually, one grows out of it in adulthood. It may sound mild, but it is not a condition to be taken lightly. Most of us will describe it as horrible.

Those with aquagenic pruritis suffer itching, usually severe, when their skin becomes wet. This can occur after a shower, bath, or trip to the beach or pool. Even getting caught in a light drizzle can trigger an attack. Some people will itch only after showers or baths specifically. Some react only to hot water, and others (like me) can have an attack regardless of the water's temperature. Every individual is different.

Aquagenic pruritis is often mistaken for aquagenic urticaria, another name for water reactant hives. In that condition people develop blotches on their skin, visible marks of their affliction. Aquagenic pruritis, however, is invisible to all but the person afflicted. There are no visible signs of a skin problem. It is also a lot more common than aquagenic urticaria, which is very rare according to my doctor.

Being exposed to chlorine or salt can make one itch, but generally this is remedied by washing and rinsing with clean water. Water doesn't help much if you have aquagenic pruritis, because it's the water that's the culprit. Dry skin can make your skin itch, too, and lotion will usually cure that. For those with aquagenic pruritis, lotion does nothing, and it can even make it worse as it does for me.

Additionally, aquagenic pruritis attacks vary from mild to nigh unbearable. One may have a mild five-minute itching spell or an hour-long period of excruciating itchiness. It is those longer attacks that can really drive you crazy. The deep, creepy crawly, prickly sensation concentrated mainly in your arms and legs can overwhelm and consume you. I have attacks that immobilize me, making me incapable of thinking of or doing much else. The itching is extremely intense.

Doctors often suspect dry skin and recommend lotion. If you talk to your doctor about this, be sure to stress that lotion does not help. Many doctors are unfamiliar with aquagenic pruritis. Bringing some literature and being very concise about your symptoms can help him diagnose you.

Aquagenic pruritis can occur in anyone of any age, but usually starts in childhood. It can affect both men and women. It tends to come and go, and many outgrow it. Those with aquagenic pruritis have mild to severe bouts of itching after their skin is exposed to water. They do not, however, develop hives or a rash. If your skin becomes itchy when wet, then you should talk to your doctor about aquagenic pruritis.