Is a Life Without Water Possible? Aquagenic Urticaria: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

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KABADAYI G., BAYSAL BAKIR D., YAĞMUR H., ATAY Ö., UZUNER N.

Pediatric, Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology, vol.38, no.2, pp.57-60, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 38 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1089/ped.2024.0135
  • Journal Name: Pediatric, Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.57-60
  • Keywords: aquagenic urticaria, antihistamine therapy, omalizumab, physical urticaria, water provocation test
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Aquagenic urticaria (AU) is a rare form of physical urticaria, characterized by pruritic skin eruptions triggered by water exposure, irrespective of the water’s temperature. Fewer than 100 cases have been documented. The wet towel provocation test is the diagnostic standard for AU. Case Presentation: A 12-year-old female patient presented with urticarial eruptions induced by water exposure and was diagnosed with AU following the wet towel provocation test. Initially, she tolerated brief water exposure; however, over time, eruptions occurred even with exposure to her sweat. Partial symptom control was achieved through preventive measures and antihistamine therapy. Conclusions: AU is a rare chronic condition that necessitates prompt diagnosis and tailored management strategies to improve the patient’s quality of life.