A 21-year-old woman in Kent, England, has a rare condition called aquagenic urticaria, which means she is allergic to water. Whenever she comes into contact with water, her skin starts itching, and she develops hives and welts. People are often curious about how she manages her daily life with this unusual condition and ask her questions about it. Recently, she provided answers in a short video.
Abbie Plummer, the young woman living in Maidstone, Kent, discovered a few years ago that her skin would start itching and develop hives and welts after just a few minutes of water contact. Initially, doctors suspected she might be allergic to shampoo or conditioner, but even after switching products, her symptoms persisted. Finally, after undergoing tests at a local hospital, she was diagnosed with aquagenic urticaria.
Due to her water allergy, Plummer must avoid water contact as much as possible and limit her showers to no more than 10 minutes. She cannot go outside on rainy days without an umbrella or raincoat. She is even allergic to her own tears and sweat, which also cause itching on her skin.
As a result, Plummer has to suppress her tears. Although her reaction to sweat is not as severe, the episodes typically last around 30 minutes and are very uncomfortable.
During an interview with the Truly channel on YouTube, Plummer mentioned the common questions people have asked her.
Plummer said the main questions people ask her are about how she showers and whether she even showers, which are significant concerns for her.
She explained, “I tell them I shower like anyone else. I shower regularly every week, though I try to reduce the frequency. You know, try to shorten the time in the shower so the reactions aren’t as bad.”
She added, “I can drink water easily. It’s only externally I’m allergic to water, not internally. It’s just my skin that reacts, so I can still drink water.”
Plummer explained that showering is the most common activity in daily life that triggers her allergic reactions. The water’s temperature or pressure is not the issue; it’s the continuous flow of water hitting her back that causes a reaction.
Plummer’s friend, Amy, initially wondered how someone could be allergic to water upon learning about Plummer’s condition. However, since then, Amy has witnessed how well Plummer manages her condition. She admires Plummer’s ability to handle her condition so effectively.
In response, Plummer shared her secret. She said, “I try to maintain a positive outlook on this situation and circumstance because I really don’t want it to get me down.”