Aquagener Pruritus
Aquagenic Pruritus is a skin disease characterized by the development of severe, prickling-like epidermal discomfort that is without observable skin lesions and that is evoked by contact with water at any temperature. The name is derived from Latin: Aquagenic, meaning water-induced, and Pruritus, meaning itch. Symptoms are commonly felt 15 minutes after contact with water, and persist for roughly 40 minutes. The disease appears more commonly in middle aged males. Treatments can include applying copious amounts of capsaicin cream on the affected areas, or even Ultraviolet-B Phototherapy. Since pruritus is a result of histamine, H1 and H2 blockers such as Claritin or Cimetidine can be prescribed. The symptoms may recur after each water exposure for years. Many sufferers now control the itch by turning the shower water to hot for the last 5 minutes, and/or using heatpads or hairdryers on their skin immediately after showering.