Water Allergy, a rare condition is affecting a Utah 17-year-old girl every time she comes in contact with water. The girl identified as Alexandra Allen compares the condition to like being dipped in a 'vat of acid.'
Allen was only 12 when she first noticed a different sensation when she went swimming in a hotel pool during a family vacation. That night, she had severe burning feeling and felt like she was covered in hives, the ABC News reported. That time, she thought her water allergy was caused by chlorine.
"It feels like your skin has been sandpapered down until there's only one layer left and it itches, but you can't itch it or it will break and burn and bleed," Alexandra Allen, 17, told Deseret News. "You just feel like you've been dipped in a vat of acid, not for long, but for long enough to tear off a layer of skin."
Whether it is water allergy or water intolerance, Allen finds it hard now to enjoy water like her family and friends. Subsequent happenings led to conclusion that her water allergy is really a serious condition.
The 17-year-old girl had a trip to Flaming Gorge, but instead of enjoying, she was hospitalized after suffering painful joints and internal bleeding. It was also hard for her to breathe. From then on, she avoided coming in contact with water as much as she can.
According to ABC News, Allen's water allergy discovery was unexpected. When she was 15, she came across one website discussing about aquagenic urticarial, a condition that was described as a painful reaction from skin contact with water.
Allen then shared the information about the water allergy to her dermatologists that also led to a round of discussion with other doctors.
Today, Allen has learned to adjust with water allergy by taking quick cold shower three times a week. She has also changed her diet and has performed exercise in lower temperature to avoid excessive sweating, oil and odor.
During childhood, Allen wished to be a marine biologist and live in a boat, but now Allen is sure that she cannot fulfill her dreams due to her water allergy.
Aside from water allergy, Allen, who is a Springville High student is also found to have severe attention deficit disorder and dyslexia. But now, she has coped up with her condition as she enjoys her life in the campus as an active student.
