Sensitive Skin Hives and Welts
by Anonymous
I have had Dermographism for my entire life, although I never knew the name for it. I would have an itch, scratch it, and people (friends) would ask if I was scratched by a cat! I would say no, I have very sensitive skin. I have just learned to live with it. I know when I'm in public not to scratch my face, neck, chest, or arms. Although that is not always possible, I try to be as aware as possible of when and how I touch my body and objects or people surrounding me because if I bump into anything I hive/welt up. I work in the makeup industry and people really inspect you every single day, my face, my clothes, and I have to be so careful not to scratch myself so I don't freak people out, because honestly, it freaks people out. They are almost taken a back by it and can make someone feel very uncomfortable. I have lived with this my entire life so I'm used to it, but I do tell people all the time, so they know what it is, and if I am red or have scratches they now know what it is from. Telling guys is the most awkward. I can't even kiss a guy without making my lips and face all red from their beard scruff.
The problem I have been having lately is hives. The last few times I got sick I broke out in huge hives on my face. I am just wondering if this is from the dermographism or from something else, like an allergy to medication. I have a dermatologist and two internists telling me different stories. I personally think the hives are due to the dermographism because I hive/welt up so easily from being touched or scratched, why wouldn't I hive up from being sick? If you have any opinions or anyone has experienced this before please let me know. For anyone living with dermographism, you aren't alone, we all have things we wish we could change, sensitive skin comes with the territory. Just be aware of what you do when you are in public (I know even changing clothes brings it on) and be confident in who you are and don't let anyone make you put your head down. We are very special and a small community of people, but you aren't alone. :)
