Aquagenic pruritus responding to intermittent photochemotherapy

Aquagenic pruritus is a rare but distinct entity in which intense itching d evelops after contact with water, in the absence of cutaneous signs or unde rlying disorders that could explain the symptoms. The aetiology is currentl y unknown, and treatment difficult, with a poor response to antihistamines. Psoralen-ultra violet A (PUVA) photochemotherapy can be effective, but fre quent maintenance therapy may be required to prevent relapse of symptoms. W e present a patient with typical aquagenic pruritus who responded well to P UVA, and who has remained well controlled on infrequent maintenance.