Woman With Water Allergy 'Cries in Agony' Every Time She Bathes

A woman has revealed that every time she takes a bath or gets caught in the rain, she is left in unbearable pain due to a rare skin condition.

Kendall Bryce, who lives in Durham, UK, has described the sensation of water touching her skin as if someone is holding a lighter against her body.

The 25-year-old suffers from aquagenic urticaria, a rare condition that causes her skin to swell and break out in agonizing hives whenever it comes into contact with water. She first noticed symptoms when she was just 15 years old.

Aquagenic urticaria is known as "a rare form of physical urticaria in which hives develop on the skin after contact with water, regardless of its temperature." It is believed that fewer than 250 people worldwide have been diagnosed with this condition.

Kendall, a mother of one who is now expecting her second child, has shared how her daily life is an ongoing struggle due to the "excruciating" pain she experiences every time she washes herself.

Even drinking a simple glass of water triggers a burning sensation, while rain and humidity force her to constantly plan her day around the weather.

Kendall Bryce started suffering from the condition at 15 Lee McLean/SWNS

Despite seeking medical help, doctors have been unable to provide her with a cure or any medication that effectively eases her symptoms.

Kendall explained: "It really is a daily struggle. I can only have a bath or take a shower twice a week because of how excruciating the pain is - so I constantly worry I stink."

She tries her best to stay indoors whenever rain is in the forecast, but there are times when she is unexpectedly caught off guard, resulting in painful reactions.

"I've never been able to give my one-year-old son a bath," she continued. "My mum has to do it for me."

Recalling how it all began, Kendall said that her first experience with the condition happened when she took a bath 10 years ago. At the time, the pain felt like she was being stung all over her body by nettles.

Initially, she was able to manage the symptoms to some extent by taking antihistamines, which helped to relieve the reactions.

However, over the years, her condition has worsened. Now, instead of just itching, she describes the sensation as an intense burning pain.

"I'll be in agony for about half an hour after washing - but it feels like two hours. I cry throughout. It's actually so bad that my body can go into shock - so it's dangerous," Kendall added.

She is not the only person speaking out about this rare condition. Tessa Hansen-Smith, another sufferer, has shared that taking a shower causes her to pass out from the pain. She has even resorted to drinking milk instead of water to prevent dehydration.

Bathing and rain water causes her skin to break out Lee McLean/SWNS

Kendall said that due to the extreme rarity of the condition, many doctors are unsure how to treat it.

"The GP didn't have a clue what to do," the stay-at-home mom continued. "Not many people have it and not many people know about it."

She was finally diagnosed in 2021 after being referred to a dermatologist. However, despite getting a confirmed diagnosis, she has yet to find any medication that works for her.

She said: "They've tried lots of different medications but I kept reacting.I still haven't found something that helps."

"At the moment, there are only so many things I can try as I'm pregnant. Once I give birth, we'll try more."

Now, Kendall is hoping that by sharing her story, she might be able to connect with someone who can offer a treatment that could improve her quality of life.

"I really hope an expert might get in touch and know what to do," she said.

"At the moment, it all feels quite degrading."

"I just want a normal life where I can go out in the rain, have a shower and give my son a bath."