Teenager’s Rare Water Allergy Among Multiple Severe Allergies

February 6, 2025: Nineteen-year-old Chloe Ramsay battles 40 different allergies, with her skin reacting severely whenever it comes into contact with water.

Nineteen-year-old Chloe Ramsay from Havant, Hampshire, endures a rare and challenging condition: an allergy to water, known as aquagenic urticaria. This condition is among over 40 allergies she manages daily, significantly impacting her quality of life.

Aquagenic Urticaria: An Uncommon Condition

Aquagenic urticaria is an exceptionally rare condition where contact with water triggers hives and intense itching. Even minimal exposure, such as rain or sweat, can provoke severe reactions. Chloe describes the sensation as feeling like “ants crawling” on her skin, making activities like showering or being caught in the rain extremely distressing.

Managing Multiple Allergies

In addition to her water allergy, Chloe has been diagnosed with pollen food syndrome, leading to severe reactions to various foods, perfumes, and scented products. To manage her condition, she administers bi-monthly injections and meticulously tracks her triggers using a color-coded spreadsheet. Despite these efforts, new allergies continue to emerge, complicating her daily life.

Impact on Daily Life

Chloe’s extensive allergies have led to significant anxiety, particularly regarding food and social interactions. She remains vigilant about potential triggers, which affects her ability to engage in everyday activities and maintain a typical social life.

Conclusion

Living with multiple severe allergies, including a rare water allergy, presents substantial challenges. Chloe’s experience highlights the importance of awareness and understanding of such conditions, as well as the need for ongoing research to develop effective treatments and support for those affected.

For more insight into living with aquagenic urticaria, watch the following interview: