For most of us, a hot or even a cold shower is luxury. For 26-year-old mom Joanna Watkins, it is torture. She has an extremely rare condition called Aquagenic Urticaria—a water allergy. From showering to tears, and even sweating, any exposure to water triggers intense burning, itching, and hives that last for hours on end.

And this is the kicker—she developed this condition in pregnancy. What started out as some minor irritation of the skin soon became excruciating pain with every drop of water. Now, something as ordinary as washing her hands, walking in the rain, or even drinking a glass of water is no longer routine—it's an act of courage.

Here, we consider what it truly is to live in a body that rejects the most basic building block of life, how she manages motherhood within it all, and the larger conversation surrounding invisible illnesses that affect not only the body—but every aspect of daily living.

This strange and mostly misjudged allergy to water has turned mundane daily activities into frightening experiences. From coping with her pregnancy to tending her toddler, Kendall navigates cautiously through her life, hoping for relief from a condition whose origins and essence are still poorly understood—by many physicians and medical researchers themselves.

What is Aquagenic Urticaria?

Aquagenic urticaria, also referred to as "water allergy," is a rare condition wherein the skin responds to contact with water at any temperature or level of cleanliness. Upon exposure, patients typically experience burning hives, redness, and itching within minutes. The condition is found in fewer than 100 people all over the world and occurs more often in women.

In Kendall's instance, even sweat or tears from her can trigger a skin reaction that is painful. "When it started, it was like I was being stung all over my body with nettles," she recollects. "Now it is like someone has held a flame to my skin."

Kendall first became ill at 15 years of age after breaking out in hives following a shower. She was initially kept under control using over-the-counter antihistamines like Piriton. Gradually, though, her condition worsened. It was not until 2021, nearly a decade later, that she was officially diagnosed by a dermatologist from the University Hospital of North Durham.

Even after diagnosis, treatment and information regarding it is limited. "The GP didn't know what to do. It's just so odd a condition, not many people have it, and not many people have even heard of it," she says.

Life at the Mercy of the Weather

Having aquagenic urticaria has placed Kendall in a highly regimented lifestyle. She checks the weather every day, avoiding rain as well as hot, humid conditions. "If I find myself outside unexpectedly, my body reacts and it hurts so much," she says. Her exposure to water is so limited that she can take a shower or bath every other day—having someone close at hand in case her body closes up.

"I cry through the process. It takes two hours, though it only takes half an hour. It's that bad my body goes into shock," she says. During these episodes, Kendall needs someone to look after her son, demonstrating just how far this condition reaches into every area of her life.

One of the hardest aspects of Kendall’s condition is how it impairs her ability to care for her child. “I’ve never been able to give my one-year-old son a bath. My mom has to do it for me,” she says, visibly distressed. Even drinking water causes a burning sensation in her throat, leaving her constantly dehydrated and exhausted.

The illness has left her feeling alone and powerless. "At the moment, everything feels so humiliating. I just want a normal life where I can go out in the rain, have a shower, and bathe my son," she says.

What Causes Aquagenic Urticaria?

Though the exact cause is unclear, researchers have proposed two major theories:

Interaction between water and sebum: Water may alter the skin's natural oils (sebum), stimulating mast cells to discharge histamines, resulting in hives.

Water as a carrier: Water may dissolve foreign allergens or irritants on the skin, inducing an immune reaction.

Due to the infrequency of the condition, studies are few and facts are mostly anecdotal or case-study oriented.

Can Water Allergy be Treated?

There is not yet a verified treatment for aquagenic urticaria. It is treated symptomatically with a variety of the following:

Oral antihistamines: Often the first line of therapy.

Topical therapy: In the form of corticosteroid cream and skin barriers.

Phototherapy: UV therapy to desensitize the skin.

Other medication: Including drugs used for asthma, anabolic steroids, and SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).

Unfortunately, due to the fact that she is pregnant, Kendall's treatment opportunities are now minimal. "They've tried many different medications, but I continued to react. I still have not found anything that works," she says. After she delivers her baby, she would like to return to attempting more aggressive treatment.

Kendall is sharing her story in the belief that someone out there will be able to tell her something new about her condition, or suggest a new lead in treatment. "I do hope that someone might ring up and know what to do," she says.

Her vulnerability and resilience come across in every sentence. Though aquagenic urticaria is a medically rare condition, its psychological effect on sufferers and their families is very real.

A snack shop in southeastern China has come under fire after allegedly advertising "placenta processing" services and selling capsules made from afterbirth. The incident, which surfaced on April 6, has triggered widespread criticism and prompted an official investigation.

The controversy began when a netizen posted online about Auntie Congee’s Snack Shop, located near the Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Jiangsu province. According to the post, the shop was involved in the processing of human placentas and selling them in capsule form, claiming health-boosting properties.

Images shared on social media revealed a signboard outside the store clearly stating “placenta processing.” The shop reportedly charged 800 yuan (US$110) if the customer did not provide their own placenta, and 300 yuan if they did. The business claimed that all placentas used were obtained from new mothers in hospitals.

The owner, who previously worked in post-partum recovery, told local media that she could also connect customers with maternity matrons. Alongside the physical snack shop, she also operated an online store named Zixuan Maternity Matron Centre.

The online platform offered various post-partum services, including maternity care, childcare, meal preparation for new mothers, placenta processing, and recovery services. Promotional materials showed the process of grinding placentas with ingredients such as ginseng powder and turning the mixture into capsules, which were labelled *ziheche*, the term used in traditional Chinese medicine for placenta.

A poster advertising the shop highlighted the supposed benefits of consuming placenta, noting it is rich in protein and nutrients. It also mentioned two processing techniques—patented freezing and traditional methods—offering customers the option to observe the process in person.

The Shop Has Been Shut Down For Rectification

On April 8, the Changzhou Municipal Health Commission informed Jimu News that the shop had been shut down for rectification. A commission staff member stated, “We are currently investigating the source of the placentas. Preliminary findings indicate that they did not come from any hospital.”

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the use of placenta has long been believed to help replenish energy and nourish the blood. It is sometimes recommended for individuals experiencing fatigue, chronic coughing, or infertility. However, citing ethical and safety concerns, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia delisted placenta as an approved medicinal ingredient in 2015.

Under Chinese law, placentas are considered the personal property of the post-partum mother, who alone can decide how they are disposed of. The sale of placentas by individuals or organisations remains illegal.

The case, initially reported by the Yangtze Evening News, has sparked outrage online. One user remarked, “I really cannot believe there are people who eat placenta as food. It is so disgusting.” Another added, “It is already the year 2025! Who even believes in such nonsense? And treating women as some kind of ‘superfood’—is that not objectifying women?” A third person said, “This is not surprising at all. In the past, hospitals would ask mothers whether they wanted to keep their placentas. If they did, it was usually consumed as food.”

People can have itchy eyes for various reasons. The reasons may include allergies, environmental pollutants, infection, and some conditions that can affect the eyes. The treatments could vary from home remedies to medical intervention.

Seasonal Allergies

If you have itchy eyes around the same time in the year, you may have seasonal allergies. You could be allergic to ragweed or something else that blooms during the season, releases pollen and gets into your eyes that time of the year.

You may also get reactions like sneezing and nasal congestion. Allergic symptoms are also triggered by histamine, which is a compound released by cells to defend against allergens. It causes an inflammatory response, and itchy eyes are one of the common signs of it.

So, what can you do?

• Pay attention to the local weather reports, look out for pollens.
• Keep your doors and windows locked.
• Take showers and wash clothes to keep pollen away.
• Wear a mask every time you stay outside.

To counter your allergies, you can also use over-the-counter astihismine medications, which can be helpful for controlling symptoms.

Perennial Allergies

They are not like seasonal allergies, they are the ones that stay year-long. Things like mold, dust, and pet dander could be the reason that can trigger perennial eye allergies.

You might be allergic to certain products around your home. Your contact lens solution could be bothering your eyes, or even your soap or shampoo might be the cause.

If you've already ruled out environmental allergens, try stopping the use of any product that comes into contact with your eyes. It may take some trial and error, but finding the source can make a big difference.

To know for sure if you have an allergy, an allergist can do a skin test. This involves putting small amounts of allergens—like ragweed or pet dander—just under your skin to check for a reaction. These tests are generally safe for both kids and adults.

Along with avoiding allergens, medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids can help reduce eye inflammation and discomfort.

Airborne Irritants

There could be people who are sensitive to smoke, diesel exhaust, or even certain perfumes. You could use soothing eye drops to cool the irritation.

Infection

Eye infections could come from viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. These all can make your eye itchy. One of the common infections is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eyes. It is very contagious and could be accompanied by drainage from the affected eye.

Other infections could be uveitis, which is an inflammation to the iris. Steroids may also help with this. The best way to deal with it is to see a doctor and get the right help.

Dry Eye

There could be a lot of reasons that can cause a dry eye. This happens when your tears dry out, which are made from combination of water, oil, and mucus to keep your eyes moist.

Diabetes could be the reason for dry eyes. Sometimes, a blocked tear duct or tear gland leads to dry and itchy eyes. Other reasons which may contribute to dry eyes are:

• antidepressants
• medications that lower blood pressure
• birth control pills
• decongestants

Eyestrain

If you look at your computer screens for a little too long, or try to read something in a poorly lit area, it can strain your eyes and they could feel very itchy and dry. In fact, driving for a long time, especially at night could also strain your eyes. It can also feel itchy, if it is too sunny.

Overusing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses also have to be used for a limited time period. If you have worn your contact lenses for too long, or have not replaced it, or washed them regularly, it can itch your eyes.

Blepharitis

Red and itchy eyes can sometimes be caused by blepharitis—an inflammation of the eyelids. This happens when the tiny oil glands near the base of your eyelashes get blocked. Keeping your eyelids clean can often help ease symptoms like swelling and watery eyes.

While blepharitis usually doesn’t affect your vision, it can become a long-term issue and may lead to conjunctivitis or other eye problems. In some cases, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines may be needed to manage it and prevent complications.

Sunken faces, hollowed-out eyes, drooping jawlines—these aren't rumors; they're real physical changes seen in patients who experience quick fat loss due to the GLP-1 drug Ozempic and it's not just stopping at the face. The health world is now abuzz with terms like "Ozempic feet" and "Ozempic butt," showing the increasing fear that this hack to being thin could have unexpected physical trade-offs.

Ozempic, a drug initially designed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has recently swept the internet, not to treat the condition it was designed for, but with its remarkable off-label effects on weight reduction. Celebrities, social media influencers, and ordinary consumers are using this self-proclaimed "miracle injection" to lose weight quickly.

While the drug is all the rage on social media and among celebrities, experts are sounding alarms over its widespread, off-label usage. Are we settling for instant gratification rather than long-term health and aesthetics? Is Ozempic sneakingly reshaping not only bodies, but also the standards of beauty of an entire generation?

With new beauty trends spreading at lightning speed, a new buzzword taken the wellness world by storm- "Ozempic Face." With social media buzz and gossip about celebrities, the discussion of Ozempic, a type 2 diabetes drug turned off-label weight-loss phenomenon, has moved past glucose levels and waistlines—it's now transforming how we think about facial aging.

Celebrities such as Katy Perry, Lizzo, John Goodman, Karan Johar, Mindy Kaling, Ram Kapoor and even Oprah Winfrey have come under scrutiny for their facial changes reportedly tied to the Ozempic face phenomenon due to the noticeably changes in their faces.

Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist produced by drug giant Novo Nordisk. Approved by the U.S. FDA in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it acts by mimicking the effect of GLP-1, a hormone that triggers insulin release, suppresses appetite, and decreases blood sugar.

Although its initial purpose was to regulate blood sugar in diabetic patients, Ozempic's appetite suppressant property gave rise to an unforeseen—though highly marketable—side effect: major weight loss. This off-label application has been widely adopted, particularly in Hollywood and high society, and it has become a first-choice treatment for those wanting quick, pharmacy-facilitated weight loss.

What is Ozempic Face?

While dramatic weight loss tales dominate the wellness feeds, another and more somber trend is being observed: "Ozempic Face." The latter is defined as facial side effects seen on some patients who undergo rapid fat loss, especially in the cheeks, temples, and jaw.

Common characteristics of Ozempic Face are:

• Sunken eyes and circles under the eyes
• Hollowed cheeks and temples
• Loose jowls and loose skin of the neck
• Enhanced prominence of fine lines and wrinkles

What makes this effect so dramatic is not only the transformation of body shape, but also the accelerated aging effect on the face, which can cause users to look gaunt or exhausted, even though their overall health indicators are getting better.

What Causes Ozempic Face?

While the name is catchy, Ozempic itself is not to blame—instead, it's the rate and amount of weight loss that leads to the facial alterations. The disappearance of subcutaneous fat from the face—fat that previously contributed volume and youthfulness—results in a more gaunt look. This is why it occurs:

Facial fat depletion: Fat loss is not confined. When you lose weight, you lose fat all over—yes, including the face.

Reduced skin elasticity: With age, the skin loses collagen and elasticity, making it harder to rebound after volume loss.

Rapid weight loss: When the transformation happens quickly, the skin doesn't have time to adjust, causing sagging and wrinkling.

It's also a side effect that appears in other GLP-1 medications or any rigorous calorie-cut weight reduction regimen. It's not unique to Ozempic—but the medication's growing popularity makes it a familiar case study.

Another strange side effect of the slimming drug is 'Ozempic feet' which is a described as\t the sloping, creased skin and hollow look of the feet especially at the top, where the skin naturally thins. This is a result of an extreme and rapid depletion of fat stores as the patients lose weight. Unlike intentional body sculpting or fat reduction from exercise, weight loss with Ozempic is fast and even, subjecting areas that typically have small fat reserves, such as the feet. Although weight loss is something to be cheered, the psychological cost of Ozempic Face is never talked about. Users say that they feel more self-conscious after they've reached their weight loss goal because of the unforeseen changes in their looks. In a society where youthfulness is highly valued, the side effects are extremely unsettling.

This has resulted in an increase in consultations with cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists, with the patients opting for fillers, tightening procedures for the skin, and even facelifts to counteract the effects of their prescription weight loss process.

Can You Prevent or Reverse Ozempic Face?

While it's impossible to prevent it completely, there are measures one can take to reverse the effects of Ozempic Face, especially if patients take a pro-active approach:

Gradually lose weight: Work closely with your doctor to adjust your dose and take a slower rate of weight loss.

Stay well-hydrated: Drink 1 to 2 liters of water per day to support skin health.

Make protein a priority: Eat a diet that includes lean meats, eggs, legumes, and fish to help support skin structure and elasticity.

Skincare regimen: Add collagen-stimulating and moisturizing products to your routine to enhance skin resilience.

Discuss aesthetic treatments: For more substantial changes, such as dermal fillers, radiofrequency tightening of the skin, and laser therapy, will restore lost volume and tighten lax skin.

Increased use of Ozempic off-label is challenging for healthcare practitioners. Although it can assist in weight control, extensive counseling is essential. The providers need to make sure the patients are informed about the potential physical and psychological effects—not simply the advantages.

In the meantime, those considering using semaglutide to slim down need to be told all about its body-wide effects, not just its effect on weight.

Ozempic craze has highlighted a deeper societal paradox- to become thin over the value we place on youthfulness. Although it may shrink waistlines, it does so at the risk of unintentionally aging the face—exposing the complex costs of modern standards of beauty.