Aquagenic pruritus

Aquagenic pruritus is a skin disease characterized by the development of severe, intense, prickling-like epidermal itching that is without observable skin lesions and that is evoked by contact with water.^{[1]:401[2]:56}

Presentation

Symptoms may be felt immediately after contact with water or humid air and can persist for an hour or longer. Other triggers may be sweat, blowing air, temperature differences, changing clothes, contact with synthetic fibers, and lying down to try to sleep. This condition may persist for years.

Aquagenic pruritus seems to appear equally in both genders regardless of age and among people with varying skin tones. It is sometimes a symptom of primary polycythemia or polycythemia vera. Strictly speaking, Aquagenic pruritus is not a discrete disease but a cluster of symptoms. In some families, a tendency toward Aquagenic Pruritus appears to be hereditary.

Etymology

The name is derived from Latin: Aquagenic, meaning water-induced, and Pruritus, meaning itch.

Treatment

Treatments can include applying capsaicin cream on the affected areas, and filtered Ultraviolet-B Phototherapy in a hospital or health clinic, often using a vertical light cubicle in which the patient stands for the exposure duration. Some people utilize tanning beds to accomplish such treatment, but skin cancer can became a concern for frequent tanning due to the broader UV spectrum of the beds. Some people find relief from a using a TENS unit.

Liberal applications of baby oil before or after bathing, or lanolin-free Aqueous cream, an emollient, immediately after drying off from a bath or shower can help to reduce the symptoms of the condition.

Since pruritus is sometimes believed to be a result of histamine, H1 and H2 blockers such as Claritin, Doxepin or Cimetidine may be helpful. Claritin has been found helpful for mild cases whereas Doxepin has been found helpful in more severe cases.

Some sufferers control the itch by turning the shower water to hot for the last 5 minutes, and/or using heatpads or hairdryers on their skin immediately after showering. However, others find that excessive heat during bathing can actually worsen the pruritus, and limit the water temperature to tepid. The use of cotton clothes and bedding can prevent itch or provide relief to some sufferers.

Some have said that applying ice or ice cold water on the legs immediately soothes the itching, however, it can return. Some people find relief in putting on tight leggings and tight long sleeved t-shirt after showering. The fabric does not need to be pure cotton to relieve the symptoms. Rather it seems to be the elimination of air against the skin which helps.

Using a shower cream or shower oil like Dove Body Wash (the red label) or Eucerin Calming Body Wash can also relieve symptoms. In some cases taking a bath instead a quick shower may help. Avoid red wine.

Use of naltrexone and Hydrocortisone has been prescribed.^[3]

A small French study in 2011 found that propranolol was effective in treating idiopathic aquagenic pruritus, with complete remission of symptoms in 5 of 6 patients.^[4]

See also

• Aquadynia
• Aquagenic urticaria
• Pruritus
• List of cutaneous conditions
• List of allergies

Notes

References

• Steinman H, Greaves M (1985). "Aquagenic pruritus". J Am Acad Dermatol 13 (1): 91–6. doi:10.1016/S0190-9622(85)70149-1. PMID 2411768. 

External links

Personal experiences of sufferers and helpful suggestions may be found here