Yes, you can be allergic to water
Aquagenic urticaria is a rare condition that causes people to develop hives when water comes into contact with their skin, despite water being essential for life. Those affected may experience itching and welts within minutes of exposure, though drinking water remains safe. The condition is poorly understood and often goes undiagnosed due to its rarity and unfamiliarity among medical professionals.
- ▪Aquagenic urticaria is an extremely rare form of hives, with only 100 to 150 reported cases worldwide.
- ▪The reaction occurs when water touches the skin, triggering mast cells to release histamine and cause itchy welts.
- ▪Drinking water does not provoke the reaction, as the immune response is specific to skin exposure, not internal consumption.
- ▪Some individuals may also react to their own sweat, though this varies by patient.
- ▪Many physicians are unaware of the condition, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.
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Health Medicine Yes, you can be allergic to water For people with aquagenic urticaria, even a quick shower has consequences. By Jennifer Byrne Published May 17, 2026 8:11 AM EDT Add Popular Science (opens in a new tab) More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results. While people can be allergic to water, the condition is very rare. Only 100 to 150 cases have ever been reported. Image: Yana Iskayeva / Getty Images Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Email address Sign up Thank you! Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your immune system has one job: to protect you.
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