Rare Allergy Affliction: 22-Year-Old Woman Claims She Can't Shower Due to Water Allergy

A 22-year-old woman from South Carolina, Loren Montefusco, has revealed that she is allergic to water, preventing her from showering and causing severe itching, according to a report in the New York Post. Montefusco suffers from aquagenic urticaria, a rare form of hives that manifests as a rash upon exposure to water. With only 37 documented cases in medical literature, this condition is exceptionally uncommon, making Montefusco’s experience highly unique.

She noticed the problem when she was aged 12.

Montefusco explained that her itching can persist for up to an hour after any water exposure, making it challenging for her as a young woman. Describing the sensation as an itch deep beneath the skin’s surface, she shared her struggle to resist scratching, resorting to self-induced pain to divert her focus from the irritation.

The 22-year-old first noticed the condition at the age of 12, and it has progressively worsened over the years. After seeking medical attention three years later, she received a diagnosis of aquagenic urticaria.

As there is no known cure for the allergy, Montefusco manages her discomfort by minimizing water contact. She limits her baths, takes quick showers, and swiftly changes into clothes to avoid exacerbating her symptoms. Even exposure to cold air and activities like scrubbing or shaving intensify her pain. Sweat, as well as environments like the ocean, hot tubs, and pools, can worsen her bath rash.

Montefusco shared her attempts to cleanse using a cloth and water, but the allergic reaction persists. Dry shampoo has become her go-to for a speedy shower alternative. She emphasized that using “body wipes” is the only reliable method to cleanse without triggering her allergy.

Beyond the physical challenges, the constant pain has taken a toll on Montefusco’s mental well-being. She admitted feeling self-conscious about her reluctance to shower, deeming it “disgusting.” Fortunately, she found solace in a social media community of individuals facing similar challenges, forming a support network of people who, like her, abstain from showers.

Discovering others who share her struggle has provided Montefusco with a sense of solidarity, making her feel “less gross” about the necessity to refuse showers.