Overview

Type of disease: Rare conditions

Aquagenic pruritus is a condition in which contact with water of any temperature causes intense itching without any visible skin changes.  The episodes can begin anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes (or more) after contact with water and typically lasts 10 to 120 minutes (average: 40 minutes). The cause of aquagenic pruritus is unknown; however, familial cases have been described. Although the condition occurs more commonly in middle-aged and elderly males, aquagenic pruritus has also been observed in women and children. The symptoms of the condition are similar to those seen in patients with other conditions; therefore, a thorough evaluation should be performed to rule out other more serious conditions. Overall, treatment for aquagenic pruritus has been disappointing. Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), supported by ORDR-NCATS and NHGRI.