[Mizz_Russia]

When I was little I had dermographic urticaria but it only noticed when my cat scratched me. I thought it was normal until this year. I bit my lip and it swelled up like Angelina Jolie lips. Then I was rubbing makeup off my eye lid and got a hive. Thought weird.. did I catch something? Then hives would pop up whenever I either rubbed or scratched. Went to the doctors they said allergies... I thought nope can't be I never heard of applying pressure and creating my own hives.. so I posted online and someone said dermographic urticaria.... Made sense... I can write on my skin and make art. Just by applying a little bit of pressure and rubbing my arm.

[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.

[Wheelwash]

That's kinda cool

Is there anything to be able to do about it??

[Adora]

Fuck yeah! I had this when I was younger, I could make art too.
You know what that makes us?? Yup, sisters.
I think you should try to copy a van gogh on your forearm btw.
Do it while you still can!

[Mizz_Russia]

Originally Posted by Wheelwash ↗

That's kinda cool

Is there anything to be able to do about it??

anti histamine allergy medicine helps... but takes a while. Lasts anywhere from 1hr to 6 hours. I don't leave my house when I get it on my face until it's gone.

[darkangelfrombelo]

I have had that before. I am allergic to stress. Seriously. My mom is too. I had to have major doses of steroids to get rid of it the week before my wedding XD

[collaredgirl65]

Learned something new today. Thank you for sharing.

[BlueNosePit]

u must get some serious welts on booty after being spanked by bf

[Faline]

Never heard of this before so thank you for sharing

[Sharon]

This is an awful condition. My neice suffers with it. The marks that appear is like a poltergeist is attacking her!