Definition
The aquagenic itching is a variable intensity sensation, induced by contact with water and characterized by the desire to scratch. This cutaneous hyperactivity appears to depend on an excessive release of acetylcholine in the exposed sites.
The aquagenic itching manifests itself with seizures lasting a few minutes which, typically, begin to fade when the skin is no longer exposed to water. In severe cases, itchy crises can also be triggered by sweat, especially during the summer months.
The sensation associated with this disorder is similar to a continuous pinprick, but it is not accompanied by obvious clinical manifestations (unlike the aquagenic urticaria, a condition with which the phenomenon falls under the differential diagnosis).
Aquagenic itching can affect the whole body, but occurs more frequently in the calves, ankles and arms.
In some cases, this type of itching may be an early manifestation of some systemic diseases, such as lactose intolerance, hepatitis C, cryoglobulinemia, cystic fibrosis, thrombocythemia and hemochromatosis.
Aquagenic pruritus crises can occur in some forms of polycythemia and following the use of anti-malarial drugs.
Possible Causes * of Aquagenic Pruritus
- Cryoglobulinemia
- hemochromatosis
- Hepatitis C
- Cystic fibrosis
- Lactose intolerance
- Myelofibrosis
- Polycythemia vera
