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Allergies are no joke, just ask anyone who is allergic to animals or pollen. The sneezing, constant itching and your chest feeling constricted.
However, there are those whose allergies leave people unable to lead a normal lifestyle. Here are two of the weirdest allergies ever.
Aquagenic Urticaria
This is one of the worst allergies to have. Aquagenic urticaria is a rare condition, where hives rapidly develop after one’s skin comes into contact with water. Regardless if the water is hot, warm or cold. Women are most commonly affected by it for some odd reason. Symptoms often begin with the onset of puberty.
Due to it being an extremely rare allergy, there is very limited information about it. However, various medications and therapies have been developed and used with a certain degree of success. But, imagine not being able to enjoy a refreshing swim on a sweltering hot day, or being denied a swim in the ocean, let alone soaking in a bath.
Photosensitivity (Sun Allergy)
This is one allergy that no South African desires to have. Photosensitivity is an allergy to the sun. The most common form of sun allergy is polymorphic light eruption, also known as sun poisoning.
In severe cases of this unusual allergy, the body produces small blisters or hives. It can even spread to clothed parts of the body. While it is unclear what causes the reaction, the immune system recognises some components of the sun-altered skin as foreign. Because of this, the immune system tries to fight it, which in turn causes the rash, blisters and other types of skin eruption.
Very much like Aquagenic urticaria, this allergy turns a trip to the coast or the local swimming pool into a daunting task.
Whether you are allergic to cats, dogs or even the next door neighbour, at least you can enjoy a relaxing day the beach.
Have a great Freaky Friday!
