This 15-Year-Old Cannot Cry Or Bathe Because Water Feels Like Acid On Her Skin

15-year-old Abigail Beck from Tuscan, Arizona, only drinks a small amount of water to take medicines in order to prevent allergic reactions. She reportedly cannot cry or shower regularly as she gets painful rashes. 

Beck was only 13 years old when she was diagnosed with aquagenic urticaria last month after getting its symptoms. According to reports, aquagenic urticaria is a rare condition that affects one in 200 million people. Fewer than 100 cases of allergy to water have been recorded, typically occurring when children hit puberty. Beck has been prescribed rehydration pills by her doctor.

Abigail Beck allergic to water

According to a 2011 report by Healthline, the allergic disease is reported in the medical field in fewer than 100 cases. The allergic disease is said to cause rashes after someone touches water causing itching and burning sensations. 

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In addition, as per Abigail, when it rains or she showers, the water feels like "acid" on her skin. Forced to wash only every couple of days, she said that her allergy is such that even drinking water makes her vomit it out. She added that she has not had a glass of water for more than a year. She has switched to energy drinks or pomegranate juice instead. 

Initially she thought something was wrong with the water in her house or she may have been having a reaction to skin lotions and other cosmetics. However, the symptoms got worse over time and she was unsure if meeting a doctor might make them think that she was "crazy.” She only got the courage to visit a doctor this year.

Abigail, to her disappointment, said that she had to educate doctors about her condition as not much is known about it. "When I tell people that I'm allergic to water, people think it's absolutely ridiculous and a lot of people are shocked by it. People always point out that our bodies are made up of water," she said.

Overcoming her fears, Abigail now openly talks about her health condition in order to raise awareness, inform and educate the people, hoping that they could be more understanding and sensitive about the seriousness of the condition.