Water Urticaria

[bthack]

I'm new and I am trying to see if all these crazy things I have are related... Another crazy thing I have is water urticaria. Every time I shower I break out in hives! Could this be related?

[GottaSki]

Welcome!

I don't have a problem unless it is very hot - hot baths, not showers can trigger my urticaria.

My intolerance of heat/humidity and exercise in weather over 65 has improved at times since I have been gluten-free, but never gone away completely.

You will likely see improvement in many symptoms that you either didn't tie to celiac or you simply dismissed as "a little this or a little that" - I know I have.

[Adalaide]

I don't full on break out in hives. Yet. I wouldn't be shocked if it just starts happening eventually though since my itching has gotten progressively worse over the past few years. Being gluten free hasn't helped. My doctor has recommended a good lotion such as Eucerin immediately upon exiting the shower and before becoming criminally insane from itching. There are a variety of topical itch relief options available, although they just lead to stuff on your skin that needs washed off.

I try to lead a life as clean as possible and shower as little as humanly possible without being gross. That may sound gross by itself, but it keeps me from being crazy. There is simply no freaking way I would shower every day, I'd be insane. I go for 2-3 times a week. I work out on those days only right before I shower. Other than that I live a more or less sedentary life which probably isn't particularly healthy, but it's particularly unsmelly. During the summer, to always get every other day time between showers I'll damp wash myself in sweaty areas. I should point out that I also don't work a "regular" job every day, so I don't have to worry about offending people besides my husband or MIL who can frankly bugger off.

[JaneWhoLovesRain]

bthack - I don't suffer from water urticaria as you do but I have a similar allergy, I break out in terrible hives if I walk or run or exercise in cold weather. I went gluten-free 2.5 years ago and this problem greatly diminished. I was shocked, to say the least.. I don't know if your allergy is related to gluten or not but it is certainly worth taking a further look into.

Jane

[gatita]

My older brother had this (he doesn't have celiac or gluten problems that we know of) and it finally just went away for no clear reason after a year or two. It was the first time I hear of anyone being allergic to water!

Hope you figure it out soon!