Hives? Allergy? Her whole body was itching – the doctors made the worst diagnosis
The story of a young influencer who lives with a rare allergy to water
Flavia Leonel Santana is a young Brazilian woman, well-known in her homeland and on social media as an influencer and yoga teacher. For many years, she lived with what initially seemed like a common skin irritation, but later turned out to be an extremely rare disease.
The first symptoms – irritation and severe itching
Her allergy started in her teens, when she was 14. Every time she bathed, her skin would become red and itchy. At first, Flavia thought the problem was the soap or shampoo she was using. She tried switching to other, gentler products, but the symptoms didn't go away.
Attempts to change and search for the cause
Over time, the condition did not improve. “I even started bathing with just water, without any products, but the allergy continued,” she says. This led her to pay attention to her lifestyle, including nutrition, thinking that she might have a food allergy.
The moment of insight
The real turning point came on a day of heavy rain. Flavia noticed that only the part of her leg that was exposed to the rainwater turned red and itchy. The rest of her skin was completely normal. “That was the first time I thought I might be allergic to the water itself,” she says.
Seeking information and medical help
The young woman began searching the internet for information, although she found it hard to believe that such a thing was possible. To get a definitive answer, she visited a dermatologist, who performed specialized tests.
The diagnosis - aquagenic urticaria
The doctor diagnosed her with aquagenic urticaria, an extremely rare skin condition in which contact with water causes an allergic reaction. This came as a huge shock to Flavia, as she had never had any problems with water before.
When tears and sweat also cause a reaction
Flavia explains that she can drink water without any symptoms. The problem only occurs when water comes into contact with the skin. “When I cry or sweat during a workout, the moist areas on my body turn red and become covered with small pimples. In addition, the sensation is very unpleasant - it stings and irritates,” she shares.
Medications don't help.
Although she tried various allergy medications, none of them brought her relief. So Flavia was forced to change her daily habits. These changes are part of her life to this day, and she adheres to them strictly.
Life with limitations
"I don't go to the pool and I rarely go to the beach because prolonged contact with water worsens the symptoms and sometimes even causes sores on the skin. I shower quickly - about 10 minutes, and I always dry myself very well. Usually about 30 minutes later my skin starts to calm down," she says.
An incurable but sometimes reversible condition
Aquagenic urticaria is considered incurable, according to experts. However, in some cases, including Flavia's, symptoms may subside or disappear completely after years. This can happen as suddenly as the onset of the disease in adolescence.
Why this story is important
Flavia Leonel Santana's story is extremely rare, but it could be helpful for many people who experience unexplained skin reactions after contact with water. She began noticing redness on her skin at the age of 14, without knowing the cause. Thanks to allergy tests, she finally understood what she was dealing with. Her story was told and discussed by journalist Simone Machado of BBC News Brazil and continues to attract attention around the world.
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