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Posted 5/12/2024 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone,

I developed a strong MCAS related sensitivity to both heat and water. I am thus unable to take baths or showers without flaring symptoms pretty potently.

The only alternative I have tried (which I can tolerate without flaring) is using large adult bath wipes.


I am wondering if anyone has this problem and how they have been able to navigate it. Any other ideas besides using wipes?

Thank you very much
Posted 5/12/2024 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
sorry to hear you are having these challenges

i think if it were me - i would opt for a similar approach - but with a simple cotton cloth and whatever mild soap soap solution i could tolerate - as i would probably rather avoid the chemicals and detergents usually used in disposable wipes

so essentially wipe myself with a damp cloth - just as they would do if you were hospitalised and needed a bed bath
Posted 5/12/2024 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Garzie. Good idea.
Posted 5/12/2024 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
I know you didn’t ask this way.. but a blog post came to mind https://diaryofrecovery.com/2024/02/06/kpvpeptide-2/

I haven’t tried KPV. But the part of her daughter’s body reacting to showers came up when reading your post. Appears KPV was really helpful when used in a microdose type fashion throughout day.

DNRS could also be helpful to calm down your limbic system.

Are you working with a doc to address MCAS / underlying causes?
Posted 5/12/2024 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Showers used to flare MCAS for me as well, which was really frustrating. I hope you find ways to manage your MCAS effectively soon!

In the meantime, it sounds like bathing using cloths makes the most sense. Could you tolerate sitting in a bathtub and using a low-pressure hand shower or a regular bath process, just using lukewarm water? That might be better if the friction of rubbing your skin is an issue. And obviously it will be more comfortable in the summer months!

Have you swapped out all of your bath products and cleaning products as well, in case they contribute?

Sorry you are dealing with this!
Posted 5/13/2024 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Really sorry you’re dealing with this. I’m curious about which part of the water triggers symptoms for you - the temperature, pressure from the shower hitting your skin, or chemicals like chlorine or chloromine in the water.

Are you able to drink water?
Posted 5/14/2024 9:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ryan

If the MCAS reaction is from heat could you turn the temperature down?

And do you know what part of the water is causing a reaction? Could it be the chlorine? (If you have chlorinated water in your country) if so, maybe you could try a filter for the shower to remove chlorine?

If it’s the pressure could you swap to a bath instead?
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