Aquagenic pruritus
A rare condition characterized by intense itching after contact with water
Aquagenic pruritus | |
---|---|
[[File:|250px|alt=|]] | |
Synonyms | Water-induced itching |
Pronounce | |
Field | Dermatology |
Symptoms | Severe itching triggered by contact with water, without visible skin changes |
Complications | Sleep disturbances, anxiety, avoidance of bathing or swimming |
Onset | Typically adolescence or early adulthood |
Duration | Chronic or recurrent |
Types | Primary (idiopathic), Secondary (associated with other conditions) |
Causes | Unknown (primary); may be linked to polycythemia vera, Hodgkin lymphoma, or other systemic conditions (secondary) |
Risks | Family history, underlying hematologic or systemic diseases |
Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, ruling out other pruritic disorders, assessment for underlying conditions |
Differential diagnosis | Cholinergic urticaria, contact dermatitis, polycythemia vera |
Prevention | Avoidance of hot water, use of non-irritating cleansers, antihistamines |
Treatment | Antihistamines, phototherapy, beta blockers, capsaicin cream |
Medication | Hydroxyzine, loratadine, propranolol, naltrexone |
Prognosis | Good with symptom control; variable course depending on underlying cause |
Frequency | Rare |
Deaths | None directly attributed |
Aquagenic pruritus is a rare dermatological condition characterized by intense itching triggered by contact with water, regardless of its temperature. This condition can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected, as it can occur after bathing, swimming, or even sweating.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
The exact pathophysiology of aquagenic pruritus is not well understood. It is hypothesized that the condition may be related to the activation of mast cells in the skin, leading to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This release can cause the intense itching sensation experienced by patients. Some studies suggest a possible link to polycythemia vera, a type of blood disorder, although aquagenic pruritus can occur independently of any underlying systemic disease.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The primary symptom of aquagenic pruritus is severe itching that occurs after the skin comes into contact with water. The itching typically begins within minutes of exposure and can last for up to an hour. Unlike other forms of pruritus, aquagenic pruritus is not usually associated with visible skin changes such as rash or urticaria.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosing aquagenic pruritus involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. It is important to rule out other causes of itching, such as allergic reactions, dermatitis, or systemic conditions like liver disease or kidney disease. In some cases, a water challenge test may be performed, where the skin is exposed to water to observe the reaction.
Management[edit | edit source]
Management of aquagenic pruritus can be challenging. Treatment options are primarily aimed at alleviating symptoms. These may include:
- Topical treatments such as emollients and antihistamines to soothe the skin.
- Systemic antihistamines to reduce itching.
- Phototherapy, which involves exposure to ultraviolet light to reduce symptoms.
- In some cases, medications such as beta-blockers or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for individuals with aquagenic pruritus varies. Some patients may experience a reduction in symptoms over time, while others may continue to have persistent itching. The condition is not life-threatening but can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD