Aquagenic Urticaria

I wish for the day when my tears don’t burn a trail down my face.

I wish I could dance in the rainy days of spring.

I wish to dive into the pool or frolic in the waves at the beach.

But all I can do is watch…

I dreamt of sharing blue popsicles on the porch with my dad.

I dreamt of making a snowman, with an angel by his side to watch over us.

I dreamt of taking a lazy bubble bath. I gave the rubber ducky a name.

But those dreams only tease...

I would love to enjoy the simple pleasures of eating fruit; I think my favorite would be grapes. Little orbs of flavor, all packed together in a bunch. I could pick anyone of them right off the stem. That would be fun.

But even the water in a harmless grape can sicken me from the inside out...

I would love to enjoy a glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. Would I take it with lemon, or not? I don't know.

But even the glistening beads of condensation collecting on the glass is my enemy... I'll pass.

The sweat on my skin is toxic, leaving me covered in rashes. I just wanted to ride my bike for once. Too much movement leads to pain...

I want to dye my hair blue! I want to devour luscious melons! I want to run a marathon! I want to engage in battle with water balloons! I want... I want... I WANT!

But I can't have it that way...

I feel dirty. The sponge baths have lost their luster. I may endure a quick shower but there is no pleasure in that when the side effect equals bright-red rashes that itch... more pain.

This ailment has taught me nothing about life. It only cancels the experiences that water has to offer. I sit and wonder if I will ever grow out of this enduring aquatic nightmare.

I blink, nothing changes...

Thanks for reading -Aquagenic Urticaria (The allergic reaction to water) is very rare. The vast majority of food contains water, so a person inflicted with this allergy has to be careful. Ingesting too much water on any given day can cause pain. They should never let it make contact with their skin, including the lips. The severity level is different from person to person.