I'm Allergic To Water - And People Ask Me If I Shower | BORN DIFFERENT

21-YEAR-OLD Abbie lives with aquagenic urticaria - a rare condition that means she is allergic to water. When her skin comes into contact with water for too long, it breaks out into "red, itchy hives", which have often been so painful that Abbie has wanted to "scratch my skin off." She first noticed symptoms when she was 16 and without knowing what she was dealing with, Abbie's mum, Amanda, was concerned: "I was worried because I didn't know what it was. As a parent you always worry if something's not quite right." After months of doctors' appointments and testing, Abbie finally received a diagnosis and learned that there is no cure. Since then, she has been on a steep learning curve and will often receive questions about how she washes and whether she is able to drink. As the condition only affects her external skin, she limits showers to a maximum of 10 minutes, takes four antihistamines a day to calm her flare-ups and always takes an umbrella when she leaves the house. Abbie's friend, Amy, remembers learning of her friend's condition and thinking "how can you be allergic to water?" but has since witnessed how "she deals with her condition very well - I don't know many people who would be able to handle it as well as you do." Abbie's secret? "I've just tried to have a positive outlook on the condition and the situation because I don't really want it to get me down."

Videographer: Marcus Hessenberg
Producers: Kim Nguyen, Tom Buckman, Courtney Buabeng, Georgia Embling
Editor: Dalene Low

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[chromabytebs]

i saw someone make fun of her weight. do you know how cruel and painfoul it would be for her to exercise? all the sweat would literally make her feel inflamed.

[aubrey]

She is a very brave girl. I can’t imagine being allergic to something that so prevalent in our lives. I hope they find better treatments for her alleviate this allergy

[diamondsanddenim]

My mom also was allergic to water. She would break out with hives and very itchy skin! She would only wash with a wash cloth and mild soap and very fast! I know that she suffered from depression because she was unable to shower or bathe like the majority of the population. …..

[abiA]

As someone with several chronic conditions it annoys me when people say "I don't know how you cope with it" because it's not like it's a choice. You just do what you have to do to make it through the day and try to live your life. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[allisonthibert]

I'm so happy to see a video about this. I have the same condition, but with many more triggers than just water (idiopathic chronic urticaria and angioedema). When uncontrolled, it is a nightmare and life-threatening. She's so positive about dealing with it.

[Tsuki]

Bless her heart! I can't imagine going through that.

[SandiByrd]

Her relationship with her Mom is so lovely 🥰 they've both got great attitudes.

[sheenagriffith]

I think you're stronger than you give yourself credit. Good job raising awareness about your condition. I know it might be hard because not too many other people can relate to that but you're doing so well at it.

[dameanvil]

00:00 🤧 Abby has aquagenic urticaria, a rare condition where her skin is allergic to water, causing red, itchy hives.
1:20 🌡 Abby takes four antihistamines daily to manage flare-ups but acknowledges it doesn't stop them completely.
2:00 🚿 Despite her water allergy, Abby showers regularly, facing more reactions on her back and neck.
2:27 📅 Symptoms started at 16, and it took about 10 months of doctor visits, dermatologist appointments, and tests to get a diagnosis.
4:23 🧪 Diagnosis involved a basic test where water was applied to Abby's back, triggering the reaction and confirming the condition.
5:02 🤔 Abby's mom expressed initial worry about long-term effects of medication, but Abby copes well, taking it day by day.
5:32 🎥 Abby and a friend aim to raise awareness about aquagenic urticaria by making a TikTok video.
6:54 😌 Abby stays positive, adapting well to her water allergy, and is proud of how she's handled the situation.

[ComaLies]

Aw man I feel for her. I do hope other treatments become available to alleviate her water allergy❤

[abdulbasitdalvi]

I've been going through some things in my life and Abby seeing ur positivity in such a situation has rubbed off on me. Thank you and stay strong. Hope u see this comment Abby.

[Narrow-Pather]

I have the same allergy. For me the itch is enough to bring me to tears. The more I scratch, the more bumps, the more itching. Atarax and Benadryl helps little. I've been this way since childhood. It's hard when people dont believe you and wag their tongues without understanding...

[artchic]

Man, I can’t imagine having to plan around rain like that. Guess small umbrellas are a godsend for people who have this condition.

Also, having to try and manage your emotions to keep from crying too much? I can’t imagine that as I’m a very emotional person.

[louise]

Glad she’s carrying on, finding happiness every day!!

[laurenschenck]

Poor thing she is so brave for sharing her story and so inspiring and unbelievable person and unbelievable women and positivity and love her sweet personality I appreciate her so much admire her so she beautiful ❤

[paigewalker]

I'm allergic to water as well and I can drink water just fine. It is not well known with the doctors and it doesn't bother me as much but after a while it does start to bother me.

[christinaparris]

I’m VERY allergic to water, I have an external allergy, not an internal allergy. Thus I can drink water….but my external allergy is very severe, I’ve been sent home from work whenever the AC has gone out because my sweat (I react to the most, itchy, blotchy, hives) I live in FL USA when I was in grade school, I had a medical pass If it were to rain I could either stay in that class or leave to go to my next one, this year in Florida It got so hot during the summer that I broke out and my leg bubbled up my skin separated, and burst, now I have permanent scars, when I cry my face breaks out in hives, I am a part of a research study right now to figure out what causes this one in a few million allergy but MY POINT IS how do I get on social media for this?

Usual, follow up questions, yes, I can drink water, no, I won’t die, yes, I do take a shower, it goes away after a while when I dry off, yes, even if it’s cold. Even if it’s salt, water or freshwater or distilled. yes, I have tested, yes I have met with a dermatologist and once again no it is not due to the heat of the water. Ty for listening to my Ted talk

[wrghty]

Yeah, nice one girl. She's extremely brave and strong to be so positive. I wouldn't be able to

[binslick]

She's very pretty. I wish her the best!!!!

[Aritheehottie]

Well it's good to know she can control it, its still a scary condition she has 😢