Woman Allergic to Water Experiences Scalp Bleeding After Showering

After showering, a woman from California who is allergic to water has reported that her scalp would bleed

AQUAGENIC URTICARIA – Tessa Hansen Smith, a 25-year-old woman residing in Fresno, California, has a rare and challenging condition – an allergy to water.

This uncommon condition, medically referred to as aquagenic urticaria, leads to Smith developing welts and hives even from her own tears and sweat. This condition started when she was just eight years old and has had severe effects on her life. Even simple activities like taking a shower result in her experiencing excruciating scalp bleeding.

To manage her condition, Smith has devised various strategies. She cleans her body using wet towelettes, although she mentions that even this process can be painful. She also avoids activities that induce sweating and manages body odor through the use of deodorant and shaving.

While Smith endeavors to minimize her water exposure, there are instances where she cannot avoid it. For example, drinking water or consuming foods with high water content triggers a burning sensation. Consequently, she has had to resort to drinking milk, as its water content is balanced by fats and proteins.

Recently, Smith experienced dehydration, which led to ischemic colitis – a condition characterized by a temporary reduction in blood flow to a section of the large intestine. This resulted in hospitalization and complications, requiring physical therapy for her recovery.

Meanwhile, aquagenic urticaria, the medical term for her condition, is exceptionally rare and leads to hives appearing rapidly on the skin upon contact with water, regardless of its temperature. The exact cause of this condition remains unknown, and it predominantly affects women. According to ABC-30, as reported by PEOPLE, fewer than 250 individuals worldwide are known to have this condition.