This US Woman, 25, Lives A Challenging Waterless Life; Here's Why

A young woman from Fresno, California, Tessa Hansen-Smith has been diagnosed with the rare condition known as Aquagenic Urticaria, which means she has an allergy to water.

She is now sharing her experience with an 'invisible illness' to offer support and guidance to individuals dealing with chronic conditions.

Aquagenic Urticaria Conditon

As reported by ABC News, Hansen-Smith first experienced symptoms of her 'water allergy' at approximately 8 years of age, and the condition has progressively worsened since then. During her childhood, she enjoyed activities like playing, swimming, taking baths, and drinking water just like any other child, but she started to notice mysterious symptoms.

Today, when she comes into contact with water, it triggers itching, skin rashes, and hives.

Hansen-Smith told ABC, "After taking showers, I would emerge with significant welts on my skin, and my scalp would start bleeding."

When she consumes water, she experiences a burning sensation in her throat and body. As a result, she primarily opts for milk since it contains proteins, fats, and sugars that help mitigate the effects of the water content.

Struggle With Life

Hansen-Smith struggled extensively during her college years. She had her classmates and other students throwing ice cubes and splashing water at her after she informed them of her condition. 

After completing her education at Buchanan High School within the Clovis Unified School District, she enrolled at UC Davis. During her time at Davis, she managed a busy schedule, working two jobs alongside a full course load. However, her health started deteriorating, and when the pandemic emerged, the risks associated with her compromised immune system made college life too unsafe. Consequently, she returned home.

Hansen-Smith's health took a severe turn, leading to a 12-day stay at Community Regional Medical Center. Her dehydration had reached a point where she developed ischemic colitis, a condition where blood flow to the colon is obstructed, resulting in serious illness. She is currently in the process of recovery, undergoing physical therapy.

Family's Ordeal

Dr. Karen Hansen-Smith, Tessa's mother, expressed her feelings, saying, "I carry a sense of guilt as a mother for not noticing sooner. I wish I had identified it as a water-related issue much earlier."

As a family medicine physician herself, Karen has encountered numerous rare illnesses in her profession, but witnessing her own daughter's suffering is particularly challenging. She described the situation as heartbreaking, emphasizing that despite her daughter being 25 years old isn't able to lead the life she had envisioned.

Hansen-Smith also makes an effort to assist her parents, who have taken time off from their jobs to care for her. Her recent hospitalization incurred costs of around $100,000, most of which were covered by insurance, leaving approximately $10,000 uncovered.

Karen mentioned that Hansen-Smith is determined to raise the money independently to contribute to the family's financial needs, given her current inability to hold a job.

Tessa's story has gained widespread attention on social media, as she uses her Instagram account, 'Living Waterless,' as a platform to connect with fellow individuals who have rare conditions, extending understanding and providing support.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tessa | living waterless (@livingwaterless)

Suggested Reading: Woman Gets Allergy From Gel Nail Paints, Unable To Move Her Hands