The girl allergic to washing, rain and even her own tears
Teen’s battle with painful reaction to water
A TEENAGE girl has told of her daily battle with an incredibly rare condition that makes her allergic to water, including her own tears.
Lindsey Coubray, 19, has aquagenic urticaria, which affects just one in 230 million people worldwide.
She breaks out in a painful, itchy rash whenever she comes into contact with water, from showering to being caught in the rain.
Even her sweat and tears trigger the reaction.
Lindsey said: “People often wonder how I can be allergic to something that makes up 70% of my body.
“There’s often a sense of disbelief. Whenever I have a shower, as well as sneezing, I am covered from head to toe in an itchy rash like a nettle rash.
“My nose burns and my eyes become bloodshot and swollen. Warm weather is a particular challenge because I get hot, sweat and then end up with an intensely itchy rash all over. “If I get caught out in the rain, my skin gets very itchy and feels like it’s burning.” Lindsey had always sneezed while washing, but was diagnosed two years ago when symptoms worsened. She has to take strong antihistamines and asthma drugs before showering. The office worker drinks milk instead of water, which triggers mouth sores and makes her feel nauseous. Lindsey, of Wheathampstead, Herts, struggles with humidity too, adding: “If it’s just stopped raining and I go outside, I can find myself feeling breathless.” The teenager has set up an Instagram page about her condition. She said: “Staying positive, speaking to others in the same situation and supporting others means I am able to manage this condition and feel happy.”