1. Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis
   

Cholinergic urticaria is a reaction to exertion which induces hives, and is sometimes accompanied by acute hypotension which mimics anaphylactic shock. Very rarely, people experience true anaphylactic shock from physical activity, but the exact science seems to be cloudy and usually there are other contributing factors. Doctors believe that what the person has eaten and medications they’ve taken such as NSAIDS before exercising, combined with the temperature and weather all play a role in episodes of exercise induced anaphylaxis. There could also be an element of temperature sensitivity involved as well.

2. Allergic Response To The Cold
   

A few unlucky people have an allergy to cold temperatures. If their body temperature drops too low or if they come in contact with a cold substance they can break out into hives or a rash or develop swelling in the area. Often the person’s reaction will worsen when the body starts to warm up. In more extreme cases the person can go into a potentially fatal whole-body reaction (anaphylaxis) requiring an Epipen and emergency care. This type of systemic reaction is typically seen in cold-allergic patients who were immersed in cold water of less than 39’F.

3. Allergy To Water
   

Aquagenic urticaria is a rare sensitivity (to water) that is largely cutaneous. Symptoms include hives, a rash, itching or pain upon contact with any kind of water. More women than men are afflicted by aquagenic urticaria and most often the condition develops around the time of puberty. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, and no treatment will eliminate symptoms, only lessen them. Treatments include antihistimines, topical corticosteroids, emulsion creams, ultraviolent therapy or in extreme cases AIDS medications have helped patients.

4. Allergy To The Sun (Photosensitivity)
   

Like the others on this list, a sun allergy, also known as photosensitivity or solar urticaria is quite rare. People who have this affliction suffer a reaction to the ultraviolet light of the sun. The reaction mostly effects the skin, causing hives, redness, pain, or scaling; sometimes the blistering can be quite severe and debilitating. There are different types of sun allergies, the most common being polymorphic light eruption. Most people with sun sensitivity have to take great lengths in the summertime, use much stronger sun block (sometimes prescription), use corticosteroid creams or take medications.

5. Semen Allergy
   

Also known as Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity, a hypersensitivity to semen can lead to itching, skin irritation, swelling and burning minutes after the encounter. Immunization shots can help people with this extremely rare condition. There have been less than 100 documented cases, but there may be more people out there with the issue on a smaller scale.

There you have it, a few of the strangest allergies out there! If you have any questions or concerns about allergies, sign up to DocChat today for a video consultation with one of our excellent DocChat physicians! Thanks for visiting, hope to see you soon!