What is the Difference Between Aquagenic Urticaria and Aquagenic Pruritus?

Aquagenic urticaria and aquagenic pruritus are two rare skin conditions that occur in response to water exposure. The main differences between them are:

1. Symptoms: Aquagenic urticaria causes the rapid development of hives in the skin after contact with water, regardless of the temperature of the water. In contrast, aquagenic pruritus causes the skin to itch when it comes into contact with water without developing visible signs such as hives or rashes.
2. Visible changes: Aquagenic urticaria is accompanied by wheals, which are red, itchy, raised areas on the skin. Aquagenic pruritus, on the other hand, does not result in any visible skin changes during the period of itching.
3. Causes: Aquagenic urticaria is thought to be caused due to allergic reactions triggered by materials dissolved in the water. The exact cause of aquagenic pruritus is still unknown, but it has been associated with conditions such as polycythemia vera.
4. Diagnosis: The diagnosis of aquagenic urticaria is made based on the presence of characteristic symptoms following water exposure and the absence of visible skin changes during the period of itch. The diagnosis of aquagenic pruritus is made on the basis of the presence of characteristic symptoms following water exposure and the absence of visible skin changes during the period of itch.
5. Treatment: Treatment options for aquagenic urticaria and aquagenic pruritus may include non-sedating antihistamines, adding sodium bicarbonate to bathwater, phototherapy, oral naltrexone, and topical medications. However, the effectiveness of these treatments may vary between individuals and conditions.

Comparative Table: Aquagenic Urticaria vs Aquagenic Pruritus

Aquagenic urticaria and aquagenic pruritus are two rare skin conditions that occur when the skin comes into contact with water. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

Both conditions are differentiated from other skin conditions, such as evaporative cooling, cold urticaria, cholinergic urticaria, and salt-dependent aquagenic urticaria. The diagnosis for these conditions is made based on the presence of characteristic symptoms following water exposure and the absence of visible skin changes during the period of itch.