[thorny007]

Sothe question has to be asked, what happens when you rub the man in the little boat, does he turn into a battleship?

[jaynedoe]

I have this condition as well :) I have found that consuming wheat, dairy, and soy makes it worse, so I avoid those things and it gets a bit better. I am on a prescription antihistamine as well to help control it. The itching drives me INSANE.

[Annbiz]

I just took my daughter to the allergist and she has it too! Strange but I guess it can be cool

[johnleeknoefler]

Originally Posted by Mizz_Russia ↗

Dermatographic urticaria (also known as dermographism, dermatographism or "skin writing") is a skin disorder seen in 4–5% of the population and is one of the most common types of urticaria,[1] in which the skin becomes raised and inflamed when stroked, scratched, rubbed, and sometimes even slapped.

The symptoms are thought to be caused by mast cells in the surface of the skin releasing histamines without the presence of antigens, due to the presence of a weak membrane surrounding the mast cells. The histamines released cause the skin to swell in the affected areas.
Dermatographia
Self-referential illustration of dermatographic urticaria

This weak membrane easily and rapidly breaks down under physical pressure causing an allergic-like reaction, in general a red wheal (welt) to appear on the skin. It can often be confused with an allergic reaction to the object causing a scratch, when in fact it is the act of being scratched that causes a wheal to appear. These wheals are a subset of urticaria (hives) that appear within minutes, accompanied by a sensation of burning, and itchiness. The first outbreak of urticaria can lead to others on body parts not directly stimulated, scraped, or scratched. In a normal case, the swelling will reduce itself with no treatment within 15–30 minutes, but, in extreme cases, itchy red weals may last anywhere from a few hours to days.

It has been reported that one artist with dermatographism, Ariana Page Russell, uses her skin as her artistic medium.[3]

The underlying cause of dermographism is not known, and can last for many years without relief. Ninety-five percent of chronic cases are never solved. Sometimes the condition goes away, sometimes it stays forever. It is not a life-threatening disease and is not contagious (transferable to other persons).

Symptoms can be induced by stress, tight or abrasive clothing, watches, glasses, heat, cold,[4] or anything that causes stress to the skin or the patient. In many cases, it is merely a minor annoyance, but in some rare cases symptoms are severe enough to impact a patient's life.

I've heard about this. I had an aunt who had the same problem. It's really kinda cool to see. Some people use it for attention and getting money by writing all sorts of demonic stuff and saying they are being harrassed by spirits. Love your post, it's really cool.

[**butterflylove**]

did you use it to cheat in exams?

[AnaleFaust]

Awesome looking reaction

[kellyhound]

That's kinda cool, never heard of it before.

[killedbycuriosity]

I have this, my allergist put me on year round Zyrtec and it's helped calm the outbreaks. If I leaned certain ways I'd get the pressure swelling, especially on my thighs, chest and chin. Tape and adhesives also makes me break out, probably because the pulling triggers it.

[winvens]

I get this in a few minutes whenever I get scratched deeply enough by someone's fingernails, and in mere seconds if scratched by a cat or dog. Incredibly itchy, inflamed and a bit sore...

Although I wanna try that welt body art now.

[pinkshadedgirafe]

Oh my gosh! I used to have this when I was younger too, and thought it was normal. I played around with it all of the time!