When i try to shower and the water hits my skin, it feels as if my whole body is flaring up and i feel extremely irritated. i've never had this reaction before to water. i'm terrified of showering. what might be causing this?

By “flaring up”, do you mean increased warmth or itchiness? Neither? Both? You should probably call your doctor and get some blood work checked. Is your hemoglobin high? Thyroid ok? So, call your doctor and get a check-up, including lab work, to figure out what is going on. Then, you can get treated and be able to shower peacefully again!! Good luck!!

One could only speculate that water touching your skin causes a release of a substance, possibly histamine, that causes these symptoms. Since you don't break out in a rash or hives another substance released may be in play. . True allergy to water, however, is rare. You could try taking a nonsedating antihistamine like loratadine (claritin) an hour before showering to see if you can block this rea