The vast majority of medical conditions seen by doctors and pharmacists are relatively common, and there is typically a primary treatment that can be prescribed, as well as alternatives for people who cannot take the first-line treatment.
Given how complex the human body is and how diverse the reactions can be to certain medications, it can be awe-inspiring just how large our collective medical knowledge is, as well as how even with this gigantic body of medical data, there are still rarities and surprises.
Some medical conditions are exceedingly rare to the point that only a few cases have been recorded in all of human history, which can make them sometimes difficult to diagnose or treat.
Here are some of the most unique medical conditions and any known treatments used by pharmacists.
Aquagenic Urticaria
The majority of our body weight is water, and it is essential to maintain the vast majority of functions in the human body. Despite this, there are rare cases where people are allergic to the most abundant substance on Planet Earth.
Known simply as a water allergy, aquagenic urticaria is a condition where contact with water causes the skin to break out into hives.
It does not have a cure and unlike other conditions where desensitisation can at least reduce the symptoms, patients with a water allergy will react to water no matter how little.
This can not only include rainwater but also even saliva, sweat and tears produced by the body.
Typically, the best treatment for a water allergy is prevention, with skin barrier cream, topical steroids and antihistamines used to try and lessen the symptoms.
Auto-Brewery Syndrome
Whilst there are no cures for a hangover, pharmacies often see people come in and ask for an expert opinion on how to make the splitting headache, dizziness, dehydration and sickness go away.
Typically the best advice we can offer is taking antacids for your stomach, paracetamol for your head and a rehydration mix or bouillon soup to help replenish lost salts, vitamins and minerals.
However, whilst many hangovers are self-inflicted, there is a very rare condition known as auto-brewery syndrome that causes the digestive syndrome to ferment starchy and sugary foods into ethanol.
The result of this can make someone with the condition feel drunk either without drinking any alcoholic beverages whatsoever or after drinking a disproportionately small amount.
There is even a somewhat infamous case of a woman in New York who was arrested for drink-driving after a breathalyser recorded her blood alcohol level as quadruple the legal limit, only for the charges to be dismissed once it was proven she had this rare condition.
Thankfully, the cause of ABS is known to be certain types of yeast fungus that can if there is too much of it in the stomach or intestines brew ethanol out of carbohydrates.
Antifungal medication such as fluconazole is often prescribed as a result, alongside probiotics and a low carbohydrate diet to help get rid of the yeast and replace it with healthy microorganisms instead. These can be used separately or in combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unusual medical conditions are illnesses or disorders that are uncommon or rarely seen in the general population. Some are genetic, while others develop because of infections, immune disorders or unknown causes. Many rare conditions require specialist diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment depends on the specific condition. Some rare diseases can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes or specialist therapies, while others may require ongoing monitoring or supportive care. Early diagnosis often improves treatment outcomes.
If you experience persistent, unexplained or worsening symptoms that do not improve with routine care, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional. Prompt assessment can help identify the underlying cause and ensure you receive appropriate treatment or referral if needed.