Aquagenic urticaria: report of a case and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
To present a case of aquagenic urticaria and to review the literature regarding this very rare physical urticaria.


METHODS
We described the clinical history of a patient with aquagenic urticaria. A water challenge test was performed, with plasma histamine levels measured before and after the challenge.


RESULTS
Our patient presented with a history of severe itching and wheals within five minutes of contact with water, regardless of its temperature or source (sea or tap water). A water challenge produced hives but serum histamine levels did not change. Prophylaxis with antihistamine or anticholinergic medications was not effective.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to water can cause urticaria in susceptible patients and antihistamine and anticholinergic medication may not prevent the reaction. The mechanism of this phenomenon remains poorly understood.
Luong
K V
KV
Nguyen
L T
LT
D000328:Adult; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014581:Urticaria / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D014867:Water
D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D014867:Water