Skin Condition Dermatographia Made Into Art

Posted by Alex in Arts & Crafts, Medicine, Pictures on February 3, 2008 at 3:53 am


Ariana Page Russell has a skin condition called dermatographia, where the skin is overly sensitive to minor injuries. Even light scratches will cause it to become red and raised.

Ever the artist, Ariana decided to use her medical condition as the basis for her art:

My own skin frequently blushes and swells. I have dermatographia, a condition in which one’s immune system exhibits hypersensitivity, via skin, that releases excessive amounts of histamine, causing capillaries to dilate and welts to appear (lasting about thirty minutes) when the skin’s surface is lightly scratched. This allows me to painlessly draw patterns and words on my skin, which I then photograph.

Some samples:

Link: Ariana’s website – via It’s Nice That and about:blank


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COMMENT

81 comments to "Skin Condition Dermatographia Made Into Art"

  1. su.wei
    February 3rd, 2008 at 6:48 am

    the first three photos are interesting...but kinda gross. BUT the last pic with the writing is oddly beautiful.
    neat-0

  2. MoonCake
    February 3rd, 2008 at 7:22 am

    this is really neat! great discovery, alex!

  3. ted
    February 3rd, 2008 at 8:30 am

    Disturbing. I think that woman mght need a little help before she ends up putting her nipples in her ears.

  4. actionmonkey
    February 3rd, 2008 at 9:15 am

    I have the same condition, it's good to know what it's called now

  5. Adam Fuhrer
    February 3rd, 2008 at 10:41 am

    Umm.. Wow!
    Thats all I can say.

  6. bean
    February 3rd, 2008 at 1:35 pm

    Ted -
    Wait, that chick can put her nipples in her ears? That I'd like to see.

  7. ska
    February 3rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm

    she needs to get a tan

  8. Lester
    February 3rd, 2008 at 2:27 pm

    I also got dermatographia a few months ago (and still have it)... It sucks. At random times of the day, you'll feel itchy somewhere on your body or face, and just barely scratch at it or rub at it to get rid of the itch and it turns into a giant welt. Dermatographism can last for several years. I hope mine doesn't...

  9. Pudifoot
    February 3rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm

    ewwww

  10. jordankills
    February 3rd, 2008 at 2:50 pm

    I've had this condition for as long as I can remember, and tried my hardest to keep it from my friends. In secret, I'd draw all over my arms and legs and always thought it was neat that I could make my own temporary tattoos. I'd love to give Ariana a high-5, but we'd probably just end up getting itchy.

  11. Dan Smith
    February 3rd, 2008 at 3:30 pm

    I have a friend who's got this...his name is...Jordan. (^^^jordankills???)

    Anyways, I think I'd like to have this condition, at least for a short while. I could draw cool stuff on my face and then have the coolest facebook profile picture. If you've got this, don't be embaressed, it rules. It's a good ice breaker/party trick/attention grabber.

  12. VonSkippy
    February 3rd, 2008 at 3:49 pm

    Think of the short-term note taking possibilities.

    Plus you'd never be without a etch-a-sketch if she was your friend.

  13. L
    February 3rd, 2008 at 3:58 pm

    Hmmm... I wonder if she ever used her talent during exams? Looks painful, at any rate. But I guess it can't be that bad if she does this art voluntarily.

  14. Ali S.
    February 3rd, 2008 at 4:40 pm

    @ L

    That was what I was thinking but then again I'm sure the proctors/observers would be wondering why someone is staring at their arms so frequently.

    I can't say I'd like to have this condition but I'd like to have only a patch on my arm for temporary tattoos. I'm too scared to get one myself (permanently) :o

  15. NeuroGirl
    February 3rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm

    I have a mild version of this. It's funny when you rub the back of your neck and people start telling you, in a very alarmed tone, that you have some kind of rash.

    @ ska: most people that develop this condition have very fair skin that doesn't tan

  16. Oomi
    February 3rd, 2008 at 5:40 pm

    That last pic looks painful. Must throb like hell.

  17. Jacki
    February 3rd, 2008 at 7:19 pm

    My sister has this. Heh. Never knew it was a condition...they aren't as raised and well-defined as the photos.

  18. amberae
    February 3rd, 2008 at 7:47 pm

    it's eerily beautiful. the human body as an blank canvas has always been something of great interest. this is something that I've never seen anyone take advantage of, and it's not perminant. I'd just like to point out to everyone the "painlessly" in the original text.

  19. kateri
    February 3rd, 2008 at 11:14 pm

    I have this condition, but I've never thought to make art out of it.

  20. Lea
    February 4th, 2008 at 3:42 pm

    That seems like it would be painful...I hope it doesn't aggravate the condition...
    but it's so creative and really...just a good outlook in general to be able to take an uncomfortable condition and turn it into something beautiful.

  21. Ethan
    February 4th, 2008 at 4:48 pm

    Can people not read? "This allows me to painlessly draw patterns ..." she says. What's with all the comments about how painful it must be?

  22. Chris
    February 4th, 2008 at 8:56 pm

    Had this condition myself; lasted a few months and then went away. Annoying as all hell though, so it's pretty interesting how she made the most of it.

  23. Steve
    February 4th, 2008 at 8:59 pm

    Wow. I too have this to a lesser degree... had no idea it had a name. Mostly it's on my back. Friends used to play tic-tac-toe on my back at parties. I never thought to let people do art with it... will have to offer it up as a temporary canvas!

  24. allan
    February 4th, 2008 at 9:11 pm

    disturbing, but cool.. but doesn't that hurt? i mean, i did that some time ago and my skin hurts so much.. and no i don't have the skin condition..

  25. Claire
    February 4th, 2008 at 9:18 pm

    Amazing! I have this condition too, and people always ask me if I hurt myself! Usually because I scratched my shoulder or neck and I look like I was whipped with a cat o' nine tails. Truly, it doesn't hurt, it takes almost no pressure to make my skin raised and red.

    Mine has gotten better since I was in high school, but I've had it for at least 10 years. I wonder if it's still sensitive to make art on...I'll have to find some artistically inclined friends!

  26. Holla
    February 4th, 2008 at 9:19 pm

    I would love to do a whole scene on someone instead of just patterns.

  27. Tim
    February 4th, 2008 at 9:53 pm

    I've had that condition but I got over it. The terrible thing about it is that when you do get scratched, the swelling itself gets really itchy and I eventually give into the temptation and scratch it, causing it to spread. I'm not sure how I got over it, but I've been watching what I put into my body and I'm still confused. The good thing is that it's GONE.

  28. Dr. Awkward
    February 4th, 2008 at 9:55 pm

    Sweet. Well done turning an annoyance into something really cool.

  29. lilricky
    February 4th, 2008 at 10:26 pm

    Check out the images, they were cropped with photoshop. If you open the first image in photoshop you can see a thumbnail of the original uncropped photo. Lets just say that theres a little bit more skin revealed than what she intended to show ;)

  30. bryan
    February 5th, 2008 at 12:22 am

    Had the chance to see her work before and talk with her. She does great work.

  31. spank
    February 5th, 2008 at 1:00 am

    you have gorgeous skin, beautiful pictures :D

  32. smoothlou
    February 5th, 2008 at 1:26 am

    The pics are really cool. I too have this, since I was about 13 I think, and I had no idea that some people could only get it for a short period of time. Also, while it's not all that painful, the itching can get to be a bit much...

  33. Matt
    February 5th, 2008 at 2:06 am

    I had this last year, it sucks. Not paying attention then you look down and your stomach, or your neck or your arms are massively itchy and they have welts on them. Its thought to be caused by stress. For me I had to get rid of some stressors in my life, I think thats what helped me get rid of it

  34. Larfin Jackarse
    February 5th, 2008 at 7:44 am

    For what it is worth.

    I picked up a variant of this 17 years ago in the mountains of Sulawesi (Indonesia) by swimming in the 1 star hotel pool (used to be a 5 star) and I couldn't resist the lovely open sewer pit (I mean pool). Got some in the mouth.....big moistake.

    No pain, no ability to write letters (well this never occurred to me) but lots of itching. Cortisone helps but pills are bad news so lots of scrip high-cortisone cream (in Oz at least). In the last 12 months I have been going to a UV clinic (run by skin Doctor's) and they burn it out of you with high UV. Very effective.

    It doesn't help my mind that two young Ozians females just died of sunbed UV exposure.

    I hope my comments help somebody because until the last skin quack, none of them had any idea. They all called annular arrhythmia (which is quackian for 'no effin idea').

  35. RandomAhole
    February 5th, 2008 at 8:57 am

    Uhh. I need eye bleach now. This seems somewhat emo.

  36. Marco
    February 5th, 2008 at 10:24 am

    What about sex? Is that a problem or... :D

  37. Spacelady
    February 6th, 2008 at 1:53 pm

    I think this is absolutely beautiful and wish I could play and photograph you... any chance your in or coming to or could come to Calgary, Alberta?

    Gorgeous, and I love that you have that humor to play and use this GIFT so wisely. !! ;)

  38. anonymous
    February 6th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

    wow. beautiful. and so pale ._. the last pic was really, i dunno, the writing was kinda entrancing

  39. JPS
    February 7th, 2008 at 6:14 pm

    Just FYI - I have the same condition and have found that a Claritin (or generic equivalent) taken a few times a week keeps the symptoms away completely.

  40. knottylindsi
    February 7th, 2008 at 9:00 pm

    Wow! So interesting and a great way to take advantage of the situation. Very beautiful :)

  41. kateri
    February 7th, 2008 at 9:55 pm

    It doesn't hurt at all. I discovered I had this from just sitting on a park bench. the seat going into the back of my legs triggered it.

    And just like JPS said, I found that Zyrtec kept in under control.

  42. isa
    February 7th, 2008 at 10:23 pm

    fascinating and beautiful.

    by the way, ska, no, she does not need to get a tan. fair skin is lovely.

  43. Jamison
    February 8th, 2008 at 10:53 pm

    yeah, I've had this skin condition all my life, great to finally know the name of it.

    it's great for keeping your arms warm if you're stuck out in the cold without a jacket. as far as sex goes, it doesn't seem to be a problem for me there, unless I'm just really rough with my skin there. shaving anywhere on my body is a bitch though. my face and elsewhere will swell up if I try to get in close, especially with a dull razor. then the itching starts.

  44. Dani
    February 9th, 2008 at 9:29 pm

    I've always had this condition.] Very rarely itches, it does get warm where I've been scratched. Oh, and that last picture looks neat. I'll bet it's when the welt is starting to go back, because all the redness around the swelling goes away well before the welt does. Also, if I touch the welt, it changes color to white momentarily. There's a name for that, but I can't remember off hand. It doesn't worsen the condition to write on my skin and it doesn't really last that long. Benadryl and Claritin don't completely prevent the swelling on my skin, but may have reduced the amount of swelling a little. Anyway, it doesn't interfere in my life and I've never thought about taking anything to stop it. And yes, like everyone's been pointing out, it absolutely does not hurt.

  45. Dani
    February 9th, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    Oh, and interestingly enough. It's genetic. My 3 children have it, too!

  46. MadDog
    March 14th, 2008 at 10:55 pm

    Seatown represent!

  47. LolaRennt
    April 5th, 2008 at 9:41 pm

    I've had that condition since I was 12. I'd guess that puberty caused more than just the obvious changes.

    I'm almost 35 now so I'm guessing it's here to stay.

    Ariana must have some pretty good self restraint. The light scratches that cause the welting shown would have caused me some considerable itchiness, leading to a long scratchfest.

    Glad to learn that this thing has a name and I'm not the only person out there with it...

  48. Nettie
    April 7th, 2008 at 9:38 am

    I've had this condition for years but my doc said it wasn't unusual since I have allergies, eczema and asthma. I've always just called it 'skin writing' since it's easier to remember!
    The best thing about it is you have a pretty cool party trick, plus you can amuse yourself easily if you've got time to waste, the worst thing is the accidentally scratching your face and having strangers come up and exclaim 'Oh my God! What ever has happened to you???'
    Antihistamines work well to reduce the effects but they only seem to control it temporarily.

  49. Coco
    April 10th, 2008 at 7:17 am

    I have the same condition. It's bothersome most of the time--I can't get near anything that has a raised or rough surface as it can cause the welts. Sometimes, however, my skin condition amazes me--I also draw and write on my skin like Ariana. It makes for a good conversation piece, too. Hahaha. :)

  50. Irritated1986
    June 18th, 2008 at 9:33 am

    You guys are all crazy who thinks that this is cool. obviously you don't understand how irritating it is. how much it can burn or itch and how bad it is to not ba able to go anywhere without looking like a freaking tomato. people always asking "what the hell is on your neck"..... it sucks okay. but all you can do is take tablets...

  51. Arthur
    June 26th, 2008 at 6:57 am

    Ha I have this aswell!
    It is genetic, i doubt u got it from a swimming pool...
    My mates used o draw things like nazi symbols on my forearms infront of my jewish drama teacher.
    or make a slit on my wrist...
    funnny stuff

  52. Zoe
    August 25th, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    I've had this condition for about the last 3 years, mine burns like hell when i first scratch but its still my party trick!!

  53. mel
    October 28th, 2008 at 1:41 am

    I'm 31, have had this for 10 years. My doctor says this is a mild version of an autoimmune disorder called mast cell disease. There are too many mast cells in my body but they are weak. Mast cells are concentrated mostly in the skin, lungs and GI tract. I get my blood/urine tested every 6 months to make sure it doesn't progress. If you have "skin writing" disease and asthma and sensitive stomach/ulcers you should get a hold of a GOOD doctor and try to understand why your body is making so much histamine. Zyrtec and claritin don't do too much except make me feel more tired. Blood tests show I'm not allergic to anything but the histamine attacks make me feel like I'm going to have a heart attack. Let me know if anyone else with dermatographia has these other symptoms.

  54. Pat
    November 21st, 2008 at 5:43 am

    I'm 27 years old and I started to develop this a few days ago. I thought I had some new allergic reaction to something and tried searching the internet on what could be causing it. When I saw a picture on wikipedia of someone scratching numbers on their arm, I thought I'd give it a try my running my finger one time on my arm and it turned into some kind of rash in the form of the letter I scratched. I hope this does away because the itching is really bothering me.

  55. sean
    December 28th, 2008 at 8:06 am

    i dont no how people can say thay wish thay had the condition. i am 16 years of age and i have had this condition for the past fours years i only found out i had it a couple of weeks ago and i would do anythink to get rid of it i feel like it is talking over life

  56. dani
    December 30th, 2008 at 12:10 am

    i completely agree with you sean, i really wish i didnt have this, i mean there are a few ups with it making me more sensitive about touching my skin which i guess helps out with acne, but like thats it. its not really anything terrific. when i get scratched my skin looks just like what her picture is and it is so annoying. i've had it for a few years now and its not harmful at all, just a pain. its always funny though, when you get scratched and someone else see's it and is like oh my gosh! what happened! then you have to be like i'm part of 4% of the nation who has a disease. then you explain it in depth. always funny. yeah no fun though.. at all.

  57. katie b
    January 5th, 2009 at 9:26 pm

    im 15 and ive had dermatographia for almost 4 years. i could only painlessly draw patterns on my skin for the first few months i had it, because after that the welts because so much more painful. im often self conscious about it but those photographs make me feel a little better about it (:

  58. also a skin writer
    January 27th, 2009 at 4:51 pm

    I have had this for years, to be turned from doctors with no advise...today I was finally relieved to know what it was, and as I type this am watching as the name rise's on my arms..hehehee, I am waiting on results of a allergy test as i have just got a puppy, I am not sure if she is irratating my skin as well, as i seem to be so much more sensitive since getting her, anyone else find an animal increased symptoms? I hope not as i love my new dog and do not want to get rid of her.

  59. Tink
    February 1st, 2009 at 9:39 am

    I have had this condition for about 30 years. I don't like it, but it's a part of me. As I'm a teacher and also a student, I'm used to hearing, "Oh, my God, what happened to your neck?!?" I usually just say that I have really sensitive skin and let it go at that. But it is HIGHLY embarrassing. I also notice that when I'm nervous, excited, or just stressed that it is ten times worse. I was so glad to find this site and am teaching my class about this subject tomorrow at my public speaking class. No stress there :) But I figure I better just talk about it up front. Should be interesting!

  60. judith
    February 20th, 2009 at 12:56 am

    omg i also have the same condition .. i though it was an alergy but it never went away and now i know what it is thank you :)

  61. Katie
    February 25th, 2009 at 2:02 am

    Hey! I have it too! I don't think it's all that bad. But once you tell people about it they're always scratching you. I bumped my face against a book corner today... big welt. :p

  62. Katie
    February 25th, 2009 at 2:05 am

    Wait...mine don't itch at all though. That's odd.

  63. andre buxey
    February 27th, 2009 at 8:57 am

    my sister has this disorder and it freaks me out.....

  64. Nick
    February 28th, 2009 at 3:55 am

    I've got this skin condition too. Been a few years now..it does suck here and there. You can't go for spas nor receive massages, you just end up scratching yourself. Also called skin writing (google it).

    Those who have serious conditions, Anti-histamine pills can help temporarily but they ain't a long term solution as you must just become very reliant on it. I"ve got tanned skinned though =)

  65. Sean
    March 18th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    i acctually have this. since second grade when i got diagnosed with a sicknedd called "slap-cheek" it when you get feverish and your cheeks turn red, ever since i have had people drawing in my skin and slapping me, just to see what showes up, and p.s. it is totally pain-less.

  66. hjffkhj
    March 21st, 2009 at 3:25 am

    I think this is what I must have.
    My skin's baffled me for a few years now.
    Now I know, but that art thing is a bit odd...

  67. paula
    March 23rd, 2009 at 6:53 am

    my 2 year old son has just been diagnosed with this condition has any1 got any supporting tips on helpin him become comfortable with his skin rather than embarrassed as he grows up!( i personaly think this ability can be a beautiful gift! pics above are unique and look fab!) just a little concerned about him gettin a complex! xx

  68. tony
    March 26th, 2009 at 4:59 am

    thats some cool pictures, but i got some better of my body art. a have the same problem i got it when i turn 16 years old and im now 27, so its last me a while that im yous to it. my girl friend is an artist and likes to draw pictures on my back and actually looks cool, like a personal temp. tattoo.

  69. tony
    March 26th, 2009 at 5:03 am

    i do taekwondo and it sucks getting punch or kicked in the face, i look like pure face after i fight lol.

  70. Heywood Jablomie
    April 24th, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    Wow, she's nasty. Buy some hydrocortisone!

  71. Heynot
    May 10th, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    Heywood you need to learn some manners. I bet you didn't even read the article. Inconsiderate snob!

  72. Jimson
    May 14th, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    The same effect can be achieved by using the Histamine in Stinging nettles, I.E. By applying stinging nettle to your body in pleasing patterns.

  73. Luis
    June 9th, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    Way cool, i have the same condition. burns a bit, but after 30 mins its gone. I use to write things on my arm and scare my teachers. :p

  74. Teresa
    June 19th, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    Both my husband and fifteen year old have this condition, other than getting bumps on their skin when they scratch themselves it doesn't really bother them at all.

  75. CTSR
    June 29th, 2009 at 3:05 am

    that's something you really don't see everyday......

  76. Shawna
    July 25th, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    This condition sucks - I have to take medicine everyday to prevent me from clawing myself to death - mine's so severe that if I forget to take it once a day the itching is unbearable. To those who think it would be neat to write on your own skin, be careful what you wish for. I'm glad she found a creative outlet, but I hope mine goes away. My dr. prescribed a histimine 1 and 2 blocker (Zantac and Zyrtic) and as long as I take it I'm OK. Yes - Zantac is for stomach acid but it's still a histimine blocker and it really does work!

  77. JakeDaGreat
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:15 am

    I've had this condition since 7th grade and was always embarrassed about it. Thank you for giving me a new perspective on this.

  78. Linda T
    September 25th, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    Parents who have children with this condition must always discipline verbally or risk prosecution for child abuse. lol My son, now 48, has had this condition all his life.

  79. Clare K
    September 26th, 2009 at 8:35 pm

    This is great, I too have dermatographia - people always comment on how painful it looks when all I've done is just scratch myself - it doesn't hurt at all! Its just itchy.

    ... as for the suggestion for using it in exams...LOL... i am a medical student interested in dermatology so it may come in doubly handy!

    The art is an interesting idea - i especially like the last picture - it really shows off the textural contrast of the welt without the surrounding redness.

  80. Hannah
    October 14th, 2009 at 7:46 am

    Wow! It looks so good! I have it too but it's not so defined and neat when I write! I like to do tribal patterns on my hands, but mine itches more while it's inflamed so the leg writing would drive me crazy! Amazing though!

  81. Snowman
    October 21st, 2009 at 8:20 pm

    is this the chick that was on 20/20 last nite??


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