The woman who is allergic to her own sweat or tears will suffer if she gets caught in the rain

Abbie Plummer, 19, from Maidstone in Kent, develops hives whenever her skin comes in contact with water – so she must avoid liquids at all costs and limit bathing to no more than 10 minutes

A woman who is allergic to water is forced to hold back her tears in painful reactions because crying will cause more pain for the patient.

Abbie Plummer, from Maidstone, Kent, develops hives that are painful and uncomfortable every time her skin comes in contact with water.

The rare condition has forced the 19-year-old to avoid liquids at all costs – including being extremely diligent on rainy days and limiting showers to no more than 10 minutes.

She can only go out in the rain with a raincoat or umbrella, as she risks experiencing painful symptoms when rain water hits her skin.

In the event of a storm, she avoids going out completely.

Abbie is even allergic to her tears, which can cause her eyes to become itchy and puffy.

Doctors initially assumed she was allergic to her shampoo or conditioner but after switching to cosmetics for sensitive skin, she was referred to a dermatologist in 2018.

Nine months later, Abbie was sent for tests at the local hospital where the doctor diagnosed the schoolboy with aquatic urticaria – a rare disease that causes a person to develop hives after coming into contact with water, regardless of age. What is its temperature?

“I’m totally fine with drinking water because it doesn’t affect me at all,” she told Jam Press.

“It’s just on my skin. If it rains heavily, I’ll see my skin start to break out.

“When I shower and bathe, I just have to try and be quick in doing so.

“I can usually tell when it’s going to be hives because my skin is itchy and red.

“The longer my skin was in contact with water, the more I developed hives.

“The condition is a little uncomfortable but there’s not much I can do.

“I’ve learned to live with it now.”

Abbie is even allergic to her own sweat but says it’s not as severe as other interactions with water.

Although acne usually lasts only 30 minutes, the pain caused the young girl to tense up, then had to hold back her tears so as not to cause further discomfort to herself.

However, thankfully, she can still process the water inside her body normally.

Abbie also takes prescription medication to make her life a little easier in the face of water.

Sunbathing and regular exercise can also help her manage symptoms.

She added: “With sweat, it’s a bit more manageable because I don’t have a rash.

“I usually get tanned and the UV rays from the sun keep my skin from getting hives.

“Not so much that when I go to the gym, I notice my skin is starting to itch.

“Without medication, that means my reactions can be very severe and painful.”