A mother who is sensitized to water describes that taking a shower or being caught in the rain feels as if someone has ‘ignited a lighter on her skin’.
Kendall Bryce, aged 25, suffers from aquagenic urticaria – a rare ailment that triggers her skin to swell and break out in hives upon exposure to water.
The mother of one from Durham, currently expecting her second child, mentions that her existence is a ‘constant battle’ as she endures ‘severe’ discomfort every time she attempts to wash her hands or body.
She also experiences reactions from rainwater and extremely humid days, dictating her daily routines based on the weather. This allergy affects only one in 2,300,000 individuals.
So far, medical practitioners have been unable to find an effective treatment for Kendall, compelling her to live with ongoing pain.
‘It is truly a daily battle. I can only indulge in a bath or shower twice a week due to the unbearable pain – and I perpetually worry about my personal odor,’ she expressed.
![**Sent under embargo - no use before 11.25am GMT February 17 2025** Kendall Bryce's allergic skin reaction. Photo released February 17 2025. A mum who is allergic to WATER says taking a shower or getting caught in the rain feels like someone has "taken a lighter to [her] body". Kendall Bryce, 25, has aquagenic urticaria - a rare condition which causes her skin to swell and break out in hives whenever she comes into contact with water. The mum-of-one, who is currently pregnant with her second child, says her life is "a daily struggle" - as she suffers from "excruciating" pain whenever she tries to wash her hands or her body. She is also affected by rain water and very humid days, meaning her life is "dictated" by the weather, and even feels a "burning" sensation when she drinks water.](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SEI_240317886-2a1d.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘My life revolves around the weather as I must steer clear of rain – and even hot, humid days. I monitor the forecast daily and remain indoors if there’s rain or an impending downpour.
‘Yet if I happen to be caught off guard – my body reacts painfully. I have never been able to bathe my one-year-old son. My mother has to handle it for me, and I even feel a burning sensation in my throat when drinking water.’
Kendall reveals that the agony has intensified over the past few years – to a degree where it can cause her body to go into shock.
She stated, ‘Initially, it felt somewhat like receiving nettle stings all over my skin. However, it has evolved into a sensation akin to someone igniting a lighter against me. It is excruciating.’
‘I endure suffering for around thirty minutes following a wash – though it feels more like two hours. I cry throughout. It’s genuinely so severe that my body can experience shock – making it hazardous. Consequently, my mother must remain with my son while I bathe.’
Kendall first recognized her problem when she was 15, breaking out in hives following her baths. In the beginning, she was able to manage her symptoms with Piriton, but her condition has worsened over time.
![**Sent under embargo - no use before 11.25am GMT February 17 2025** Kendall Bryce, 25 who found out at 15 she had aquagenic urticaria - an allergy to water. She struggles to bathe herself or her son and avoids going out when it rains, pictured at her home in Durham. Photo released February 17 2025. A mum who is allergic to WATER says taking a shower or getting caught in the rain feels like someone has "taken a lighter to [her] body". Kendall Bryce, 25, has aquagenic urticaria - a rare condition which causes her skin to swell and break out in hives whenever she comes into contact with water. The mum-of-one, who is currently pregnant with her second child, says her life is "a daily struggle" - as she suffers from "excruciating" pain whenever she tries to wash her hands or her body.](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SEI_240317937-a443-e1739800504299.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Kendall was subsequently referred to a dermatologist at the University Hospital of North Durham, who ultimately confirmed her diagnosis of aquagenic urticaria in 2021.
Nonetheless, she has yet to discover any treatment effective for her situation.
She expressed, ‘They have attempted numerous medications, but I continued to have adverse reactions. I am still searching for an effective solution. Currently, the options are limited because I am pregnant. Once I deliver, we can explore further alternatives. However, the reality is that the doctors remain uncertain about what will work.’
‘This whole experience feels quite humiliating. I simply desire a life that resembles normalcy, where I can venture out in the rain, take a shower, and give my son a bath.’
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