Tessa Hansen-Smith from Fresno, California, shares her experience with Aquagenic Urticaria, a rare condition causing allergic reactions to water. This means she experiences painful reactions like welts, hives, and even burning sensations when in contact with water, impacting her daily life significantly.
“I would come out of showers and have huge welts on my skin, and my scalp would be bleeding after showering.”
Diagnosed around age 8, her symptoms worsened over time, leading to significant lifestyle changes and challenges. Despite adversities, including bullying and severe health scares, Tessa maintains a positive outlook. She’s actively raising awareness for rare conditions, contributing to a book, and engaging with others via social media. Her story highlights the importance of understanding and empathy for those with invisible illnesses.
Life With Aquagenic Urticaria
Tessa Hansen-Smith manages her Aquagenic Urticaria by avoiding direct contact with water as much as possible, using alternatives like milk for hydration due to its lower water content, and employing wet towelettes for cleaning with caution. She takes preventive measures, such as avoiding sweating and minimizing shower time to reduce exposure. For treatment, she uses antihistamines to alleviate symptoms like rashes and hives. Despite these challenges, Tessa continues to lead a productive life, focusing on indoor activities and advocating for awareness of rare medical conditions.
Has she been bullied about her condition?
Tessa has experienced bullying due to her condition. In college, she faced skepticism and misunderstanding about her water allergy. Some people would purposely splash water on her or throw ice cubes at her, testing her allergic reaction, which added to her challenges. This behavior from others highlights the difficulties individuals with rare medical conditions can face, including lack of understanding and compassion from those around them.
