A water-allergic college student breaks out in a debilitating rash and fever whenever she cries, showers or sweats.
The student, identified as Tessa Hansen-Smith, suffers from Aquagenic Urticaria, a rare condition which affects an estimated 100 people worldwide.
Tessa Hansen-Smith suffers from Aquagenic Urticaria, a condition which affects around the world an estimated 100 people.
Hansen-Smith, 25, from California breaks out in a rash, experiences nausea, suffers migraines within minutes of touching the water. Her allergic condition also means she is unable to play sports, and she needs to be shuttled around her campus.
Hansen-Smith, 25, breaks out in a rash, experiences fever, suffers from migraines within minutes of touching the water.
Diagnosed by her mother (a doctor), Ms. Hansen-smith can only shower twice in a month, and find it hard to even take a drink of water. Ms. Hansen Smith’s first symptoms of the disease during her childhood emerged at age 8 when swimming frequently caused her to break out in a rash.
The condition was officially diagnosed at age 10 and was initially suspected to be caused by an allergic reaction from shampoos and soaps.
Ms Hansen-smith, who was treated by her mother (a doctor) can only shower twice a month and find it hard to even take a drink of water.
‘I am fortunate that my mum is a medical doctor in the family. Her first thought when I kept coming out in these rashes was that I was allergic to soap or shampoo.’ Ms Hansen-Smith said.
Ms Hansen-Smith, of California, was diagnosed with hives at the age of 10.
Her eruption was originally suspected of caused by an allergic reaction from shampoos and soaps.
She added: ‘Aquagenic urticaria can sometimes be truly a mental game. It’s hard to take too many tablets on a regular basis knowing it won’t really ever end. I swallowed 12 tablets a day at a certain level, but now I’m taking nine.’
Nevertheless, Ms Hansen-Smith does not allow control of her life through her challenges and condition. She continued: ‘I’m ready to be really independent and leave to college for my hometown. I’m sure I’m taking it one day, and some days are much better than others.’
Setting up an Instagram Page to raise awareness of her condition, after making some findings online, Ms. Hansen-Smith and her mother realized her condition.
Setting up an Instagram Page to raise awareness of her condition @livingwaterless, after making some observations online, Ms Hansen-Smith and her mother realized her situation.
