Skin-Writing Possible for Those with Specific Condition: No Need for Writing Tools
Laid-back Take on Skin Writing: Dermatographia
Hickies? Nah, mate! These bad boys started popping up (literally) after I wrapped up my antibiotics. Scratching an itch led to red bumps marching down my arm, morphing into whatever I'd just touched. I'm no scaredy-cat, so my first move was hitting up the web - dermatographia, a.k.a. "skin graffiti," seemed to be my issue.
Dermatologist Andrea Kalus from UW Medical Center Roosevelt sheds some light on this curious condition. It's considered an urticaria, or hives, variant, and most likely comes down to a histamine reaction. According to Andrea, when the skin senses potential damage, it sounds the alarm, letting in extra blood and immune chemicals to the area.
But what causes dermatographia, exactly? Well, we're still fuzzy on that one. It can be temporary or long-lasting, scratchy or calm as a Sunday drive. A recent study hinted it might be a "delayed hypersensitivity" response to penicillin, starting six hours to several days post-exposure. However, it's worth mentioning that earlier literature suggests it's mostly mechanical triggers (scratching, rubbing) that set off dermatographia, not drugs like penicillin1.
Artistic Inspiration from Chronicles of Skin
Artist Ariana Page Russell knows the extended journey of figuring out the causes of dermatographia. Growing up, her skin was as delicate as a baby's, and red splotches were her response to stress or temperature changes. But it wasn't until she was a UW grad student in photography that her dermatographia took on a life of its own.
During a kelp project, she scratched her knee, and her skin produced intricate kelp patterns. Her peers weren't impressed with the kelp, but the dermatographia stole the show. Diagnosed with dermatographia soon after, she found solace in understanding her unusual skin quirk and began weaving it into her art.
"Getting a name for my dermatographia was like a breath of fresh air," she reflects. "Shining a spotlight on it in my art meant I could better understand it-and even appreciate its beauty."
Through her art, Ariana hopes to inspire and educate people living with dermatographia or similar conditions, encouraging them to flaunt their skin instead of hiding it. She also runs a blog, dishing out knowledge on skin-friendly living and embracing your own, unique space 2.
No Cure, Scant Studies
Ariana's dermatographia has lessened over time, thanks to a healthier diet and mindful product choices for her home and skin. But research on dermatographia is scarce, leaving many questions unanswered.
"Most research dollars go where they're perceived to make the most impact on health," notes Andrea. "With dermatographia, funding is tight, but well-deserved research is lacking."
In the meantime, treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Avoiding triggers is essential, antihistamines can help with the itch (though non-drowsy ones are iffy), and cooling lotions can provide relief for irritable skin 3.
After a couple of weeks of antihistamine-induced zombie-dom, my dermatographia vanished, along with the unwanted itching. I'll admit I even missed those hand-drawn, dissolving messages on my arms-something poetic, I suppose, for a word-nerd like myself. But those itchy nights spent questioning the universe? I'm more than happy to leave those behind.
The recent study hints at a possible connection between dermatographia and delayed hypersensitivity responses to certain medications like penicillin, but earlier literature suggests mechanical triggers, such as scratching or rubbing, are more commonly at fault.
Artist Ariana Page Russell, who struggled with dermatographia, found solace and inspiration in understanding and embracing her condition, and now aims to educate and encourage others dealing with similar chronic skin conditions through her art and blog.
