Aquagenic urticaria

Water basin addiction, Wasserurtikaria or Aquagenic urticaria is a form of hives that occurs after contact with water. It is very rare; only 35 diseases are known worldwide. The water basin addiction is not an allergic reaction to water, but a hypersensitivity to the ions dissolved in ( nichtdestilliertem ) water. This mainly affects young adults. It is not to be confused with cholinergic urticaria caused by sweat, the Kältekontakturtikaria and the aquagenic pruritus.

The symptoms are similar to those of a contact to compare with nettles. Affected individuals show after about 15 minutes after contact of the water ( rain, sea water, shower) small whitish papules that may persist for up to two hours and itchy. The diagnosis is confirmed by placing a soaked body warm water compress. For the treatment antihistamines be administered.

Due to a twin observation may be a genetic predisposition is suspected.