aquagenic

Aquagenic is an adjective meaning relating to water. In medicine it is used to describe conditions triggered or produced by contact with water, notably aquagenic urticaria and aquagenic keratoderma. In broader science, aquagenic describes processes that involve water.

Aquagenic urticaria: A rare form of physical urticaria. Hives or welts develop within minutes after contact with water of any temperature, lasting from minutes to about an hour or so. It is not caused by contamination and may be accompanied by flushing or pruritus. Diagnosis is clinical, based on history and a water-provocation test. The pathophysiology is not fully understood; theories include osmotic changes and mast cell degranulation. Management involves avoidance of prolonged exposure when possible, and the use of antihistamines; in some cases, other therapies or phototherapy have been tried, with variable success.

Aquagenic keratoderma, also known as aquagenic wrinkling of the palms: Characterized by rapid wrinkling and swelling of the palms after water exposure, sometimes with discomfort. The skin typically returns to normal after drying. It can be associated with mutations in the CFTR gene and cystic fibrosis carrier status, though many cases are idiopathic. Diagnosis is usually made by observing the skin changes after water contact. Management includes barrier creams or emollients, drying promptly, and in some cases topical keratolytics or other dermatologic treatments. Prognosis varies; many individuals learn to manage symptoms with precautions.

Terminology: Aquagenic broadly denotes water-related phenomena in biomedical contexts; not all uses imply disease, and the term is most commonly encountered in dermatology literature.