In a world full of allergies, from the typical peanut or pollen allergies to more uncommon ones, such as allergies to the sun or even freezing temperatures, the human body never ceases to surprise with its ability to respond to seemingly innocuous elements.
One such extraordinary case is that of this woman who realized that she was allergic to water, a rare ailment that affects only a few people around the world.
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- Who is this woman who lives a life “without water”?
- What type of rare allergy do you have?
- Where was this case reported?
- When did this happen to her?
- How does Tessa deal with the illness?
Who is this woman who lives a life “without water”?
Credit: Instagram
Tessa Hansen-Smith, 25, recently opened up about her daily struggle with the rare condition that causes hives when she comes into contact with water.
What type of rare allergy do you have?
Tessa suffers from one of the rarest known allergies, aquagenic urticaria. It is believed that between 100 and 250 people worldwide suffer from this unusual disease that produces red, itchy hives whenever there is contact with water.
Where was this case reported?
This case comes from California where Tessa currently resides.
According to the Allergy Asthma Network, the allergy was first recorded in 1964. Rain, snow, fresh water, the ocean, sweat, and tears can cause hives in anyone with the condition.
When did this happen to her?
Credit: Instagram
Tessa’s journey with this rare allergy began when she was eight years old and noticed rashes on her arms and sores on her scalp, which she documented on social media. Her doctors initially assumed that the soaps and shampoos in the shower were to blame, but her problem persisted. Her mother, Dr. Karen Hansen-Smith, a family care physician, connected the dots after two years of intensive testing by several doctors and discovered that her daughter had a water allergy.
Tessa’s list of triggers and reactions grew longer as she grew older. She began to have itchy eyes, scratches on her tongue, and hives in her mouth. Beverages with high water content induced a burning sensation; Thus, cow’s milk was the most tolerable alternative because its fat and protein content balanced the water content.
Credit: Instagram
However, if she goes without milk for a long period of time, she becomes so thirsty that she feels compelled to drink water despite the resulting pain, which can lead to fainting. Tessa should eat only dry foods with little water, such as granola bars, crackers, bread, peanut butter, potatoes, beans, and dairy-based soups.
How does Tessa deal with the illness?
According to Healthline, there is no cure for aquagenic urticaria, but there are some treatment options that can help relieve symptoms.
Credit: Instagram
Karen Hansen-Smith, Ms. Hansen-Smith’s mother, is a doctor who has treated many rare diseases, but watching her daughter face this battle has been difficult for her.
Ms. Hansen-Smith’s positive energy throughout the process helped her change her perspective, and sharing her story with her followers allowed her to “meet so many people and talk to so many people from so many different walks of life gives me so much trust”. she brings joy and gives me a sense of purpose with the condition.”
Hansen-Smith created a GoFundMe website earlier this year to raise awareness and funds for her medical expenses.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn