Name change for this as outing. I have a condition called aquagenic urticaria, basically my skin does not like water at all, develops hives/welts when in contact with water, these get very itchy or even painful and have gotten infections in the past from scratching. I can't avoid water altogether, I have to wash myself, do washing up, go out in the rain etc. Can't go swimming, been banned by doctor as could get a severe reaction and drown, sounds extreme imo but I wouldn't want to go swimming due to the horrible discomfort anyway. I am prescribed antihistamines but they only help to an extent.
People simply don't believe me or take it seriously. It's not something I randomly talk about, in fact it's embarrassing, but it does come up in conversation sometimes and every time it raises eyebrows and I'm always made to feel shit about it. For example, when working with children, I was expected to go swimming with them. I explained why I couldn't, staff members didn't believe me, or they asked lots of questions trying to catch me out, like how do you even shower, what about the rain, wouldn't you be dead if you're allergic to water, are you allergic to your own tears? I'm not allergic to water for fuck's sake! It's similar to an allergy, but not actually one. People google the condition and point out it's not possible that I have it, because of news articles about people who could die from going in water or something extreme, or it's so rare why haven't I been in the news?
Even when I was being induced in the hospital, the midwives kept trying to make me take a bath, banging on about all the benefits of water for labour pains. Even though my green book literally said about my condition. When I pointed this out, the midwives said they never heard of this, acted like I was being dramatic, same line of ridiculous questions as always, one midwife told me to spell out the condition to her, even though she had my notes. And then she said she would be googling this to fact check it?! Why the fuck would I lie about this to get out of having a bath? I wish I could enjoy a good bath, but I can't!
Another time someone threw water all over me at work and I was told it was only water, it won't hurt me. I didn't have spare clothes to change into. I was made to feel really stupid about it all.
I feel like the only person who believes me is my partner as he has seen first hand how it affects me and when I've gotten infections. I'm just so tired of it all, having to defend myself all the time even to some medical professionals. Sometimes I think I should just lie, say I can't swim as I never learnt to, as it would be far easier than the truth. I hate having this stupid condition, it affects my daily life and I wish I was "normal". I don't know why it's so hard for people to believe me, I don't think it's that crazy at all!