Yes, it is possible to be allergic to water, although it is an extremely rare condition known as aquagenic urticaria or water allergy. People with this condition develop itchy, red hives or swelling on their skin shortly after water contacts their skin. The reaction can happen with any type of water, regardless of temperature or source, such as rain, seawater, sweat, or tears. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a hypersensitivity reaction where water interacts with proteins or substances in or on the skin, triggering an immune response rather than a true allergy to water itself. Drinking water usually does not cause the rash since it does not touch the skin, but in some severe cases, water ingestion can cause symptoms like swollen lips or breathing difficulties. Aquagenic urticaria is extremely rare, with only about 50 to 100 cases reported worldwide, and it is more common in females during or after puberty. Symptoms start within minutes of exposure and generally last from 30 minutes to a few hours. Management includes minimizing skin exposure to water and medical treatments to control symptoms.
