This is a very rare condition that causes itching and skin rashes when the body comes into contact with water
Tessa Hansen-Smithis a 25 year old from Fresno, California, allergic to water. However, Tessa’s case is not an isolated case, just like her, around 250 people in the world suffer from it aquagenic urticariaa very rare condition that causes itching and skin rashes when the body comes into contact with water.
water allergy
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Tessa explained that, after spending the first part of her childhood like all other children, when she was 8 years old something changed: “I got out of the shower and had huge rashes on my skinand my scalp was bleeding,” he explained. At first, his parents thought it was a reaction to the soaps they used, but replacing them didn’t change the situation. Plus, even drinking became a paincausing her to feel like burning sensation in the throat and body. After years of countless tests and analyses, it was her mother Karen, a family doctor, who understood Tess’ illness.
how tessa lives
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Due to aquagenic urticaria, Tessa you must avoid sweating too much and for this reason he spends a good part of his days at home. He drinks mostly milkbecause the water content is buffered by proteins, fats and sugars and more takes antihistamines to relieve rashes and itching due to contact with water. Furthermore, due to a severe form of dehydration, he developed a ischemic colitis, from which he is still recovering. She has opened a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her parents’ medical expenses. On her Instagram page, Tessa shares her experiences with her followers, trying to be of support to other people affected by rare pathologies.
what is aquagenic urticaria
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It is estimated that only between 100-250 people worldwide suffer from aquagenic urticaria. The first case was reported by Walter B Shelley in 1964. It is a rare condition in which hives develop after the skin comes into contact with water, whether sweet, salty or chlorinated, regardless of its temperature. It most commonly affects women. At the moment there are no specific therapies. Usually, they are administered antihistamines to prevent or relieve symptomsalthough not all patients benefit from it. The exact cause of aquagenic urticariato date, is still unknown.
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