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A Nottingham landscaper, who suffers from a rare allergy to water, has been forced to quit his job as rainfall causes him unbearable pain.

James Richardson, 33, experiences painful hives if he comes into contact with water and endures six-and-a-half hours of discomfort following a shower.

His unusual condition, known as aquagenic urticaria, is believed to have started after a suspected insect bite just three months ago.

Globally, less than 100 cases of this rare condition, which triggers hives upon exposure to water, have been documented.

James, from Nottingham, lamented: "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

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