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Aquagenic Urticaria: A Perplexing Physical Phenomenon
Cindy Wassef, Anacristina Laureano, Robert A Schwartz1
1Professor Robert A Schwartz MD, MPH, DSc (Hon), FRCP Edin Dermatology Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue H-576, Newark, New Jersey 07103; roschwar@cal.berkeley.edu.
Abstract:
Aquagenic urticaria (AQ) is a rare physical urticaria induced by contact with water. It may be distinctive clinically, evident as 1-2 mm folliculopapular urticaria, a pattern also characteristic of cholinergic urticaria. AQ has a truncal and upper extremity distribution within 20-30 minutes after contact with water, regardless of its temperature or source. AQ is usually symptomatic with mild to severe pruritus and a burning sensation. The mechanism by which water produces mast cell degranulation and histamine release remains unclear. We review its clinical presentation, diagnostic parameters, differential diagnosis, and treatment.
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