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A landscaper who is allergic to water has been forced to give up work because rain leaves him in excruciating pain.

James Richardson, 33, suffers allergic reactions to water and says he is left in pain for six-and-a-half hours if he has a shower.

His condition, known as aquagenic urticaria, began just 12 weeks ago. Worldwide, there are fewer than 100 documented cases of the rare condition, which causes the body to break out in hives if exposed to water.

James, from Nottingham, said: "I can't do anything, if it rains I can't go to work.

"I drink milk just to stay hydrated – it does have some water in it but my stomach can handle it. If I eat something with water in it my stomach swells like I'm pregnant." View 5 Images

James says he has been 'living on' burgers and chi

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