'I Feel Like A Human Etch-A-Sketch': Woman With Rare Condition Can Scratch Temporary Notes Onto Her Skin

Hannah Arbuthnott has a rare condition which means she can draw and write on her skin - much like a "human Etch-A-Sketch".

Arbuthnott, 21, suffers from dermatographia which leaves her covered in red, raised marks when she lightly scratches herself or wears tight clothing.

The 21-year-old from Bartestree, Herefordshire said that the painful condition allows her to draw shapes and write on her skin. The marks will then disappear within half an hour.

"It makes me feel like a human Etch-A-Sketch because the rash will raise where I've written on my arm and then it will vanish," she said, according to the Mail Online.

Hannah Arbuthnott

Arbuthnott said: "My reactions happen all the time, they're really tricky to avoid because the simplest things like someone lightly brushing my arm with their hand can set off a reaction."

Dermatographia is a condition also known as "skin writing". It means that when patients lightly scratch their skin, a histamine is released in the body which causes the skin to become red and raised - similar to hives.

The marks then usually disappear within 30 minutes.

According to Lindsey McManus, deputy CEO of AllergyUK, the condition is "a form of urticaria".

For some people it can be caused by anything rubbing or putting physical pressure on the skin. These can include scratching an itch, wearing a tight waistband or a bra-strap rubbing.

Despite the skin condition being painful, Arbuthnott said she has learned to live with it and has even made it into a party trick.

"In the past I've drawn smileys and other little pictures on my arm," she explained.

She explained that she knows when the reaction is happening because she experiences a "deep sore itch" under the skin. This was difficult to deal with at first, but has become more manageable.

She said that her hands and feet are the worst areas affected as there is always pressure being put on them, but added that she tries not to let it affect her life.

The condition first flared up in 2011, when red marks began to appear on her face and hands.

Arbuthnott underwent food allergy tests, but the results came back negative.

The condition developed when she had a reaction to her face wash, which left her face itching badly. Before long, the itching had spread and her skin felt like it was on fire.

After taking anti-allergy medicine and finding it didn't work, Arbuthnott visited a private dermatologist who told her she had dermatographia.

She said that since her diagnosis, she has sought solace by talking to people with similar problems on Facebook groups.

7 Common And Annoying Skin Conditions

Armpit Pigmentation(01 of07)

There are various causes of the darkening of the underarm skin, says Melissa Piliang, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. "A skin rash triggered by a bad reaction to a deodorant can cause an eczema-like reaction that, once healed, leaves some darkening," she explains. Another culprit is an ingrown hair, which can leave a dark spot.
The way to treat this kind of pigmentation is to tackle the cause. "Once the trigger is removed, the pigmentation will improve," says Dr. Piliang. If it's a bad reaction to a deodorant, change to one that's hypoallergenic. Piliang also suggests trying a lotion that contains soy (which can slow hair growth and help with pigmentation) or a low concentration of hydroquinone, which is available over the counter. Higher concentrations are slightly more effective, she says, but would need to be prescribed by a dermatologist.
The dark mark could also be the sign of something more serious, Piliang says: type 2 diabetes. But in those cases, the skin in the area (which includes the neck) may appear "velvety" in addition to dark. (credit:Shutterstock)

Cellulite (02 of07)

Cellulite develops when fat is deposited in pockets just below the surface of the skin, primarily around the hips, thighs, and buttocks, explains Lydia Juzych, MD, a dermatologist at Henry Ford Hospital. Collagen fibers that connect fat to the skin then break down and stretch, creating a dimpled look. In other words: Ugh! Cellulite is a problem for both thin people and those who are overweight. There are multiple causes: genetics, hormones, poor diet, slow metabolism, and dehydration, Juzych says. And the bad news is, there are no proven treatments for cellulite once it shows up. However, there are some ways to reduce the appearance of it.
"Methylxanthine creams, wraps, massage, mesotherapy, laser/light therapy, and liposuction are some treatment options," Juzych says. You can also keep cellulite from forming with healthy lifestyle choices like not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding yo-yo dieting, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating foods high in fiber and fruits and vegetables. (credit:Shutterstock)

Heat Rash (03 of07)

Sometimes called prickly heat, these small, itchy, red bumps can develop on the chest and back. "It's caused by blockages in the sweat ducts, which happens when you get really warm and sweaty," says Jessica Wu, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California Medical School and the author of Feed Your Face. A good way to prevent heat rash is by wearing loose, breathable clothing when you work out or when it's hot and humid outside. "Also, take a shower right after working out," Dr. Wu adds.
But if you've already been struck by the prickly curse, she recommends staying cool and dry and using cortisone creams (if needed) to ease the itchiness. (credit:Shutterstock)

Keratosis Pilaris(04 of07)

Its nicknames of "chicken skin" and "sandpaper arms" sound like something from the playground, and ironically this common skin condition often starts in childhood, says Donna Bilu Martin, MD, a dermatologist who practices at South Beach Dermatology in Miami, Florida. "It's caused by a buildup of keratin [dead skin cells] in the hair follicles," she says. These rough bumps are usually found on the backs of the arms, along the inner thighs, and on your cheeks.
Keratosis pilaris is often hereditary and can be associated with eczema and hay fever, Dr. Wu adds. "Treat it with creams containing urea or salicylic acid to help break down the dead skin," she advises.
Another tip: Try to exfoliate the areas to keep them smooth and improve the appearance of the bumps. "Don't pick or squeeze them," warns Dr. Wu. This can cause scabbing and scarring. (credit:Shutterstock)

Melasma(05 of07)

These brown spots on the face often occur in pregnant women or those taking birth-control pills and can be caused by the increased level of estrogen coupled with the sun's UVA rays, says Piliang. The patch of hyperpigmentation can usually be found on the cheeks, upper lip, and sometimes on the forehead.
Melasma may be a difficult condition to get rid of. "The most important treatment is sun protection: sun avoidance, hats, and sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen," Dr. Martin explains. Lightening creams that contain hydroquinone can also be effective, she says, when used with a dermatologist's supervision. Retinoid creams can be effective, too. Some patients opt for chemical peels and lasers to help lighten the pigment, but doctors warn that melasma does have the tendency to come back due to sun exposure. (credit:Shutterstock)

Razor Burn and Ingrown Hairs(06 of07)

Annoying razor bumps typically pop up as a sign that you probably didn't moisturize enough before reaching for your razor. "To avoid them," Dr. Juzych suggests, "make sure to thoroughly wet the shaving area, apply a thick layer of shaving cream, shave in the direction of the hairs, and avoid repeating strokes." And alwaysuse a clean, sharp razor.
Topical prescription medications can help the itch and irritation, Dr. Juzych adds. Ingrown hairs -- skin bumps that are bigger than razor bumps -- are caused by hairs that get trapped underneath the skin instead of growing out through the surface of the skin. "They may be caused by waxing or shaving, when the new hairs start to grow," says Wu. Do not tweeze them, she warns. "Instead, gently lift the tip of the hair, then clip it at the surface of the skin." Yanking it out will only create another ingrown hair. (credit:Shutterstock)

Skin Tags (07 of07)

These benign overgrowths can develop in armpits, the groin area, around the neck, and on eyelids. The soft "tabs" of skin often show up in adulthood, on obese patients, and during pregnancy, says Carolyn Jacob, MD, the director at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. "There are hormones that cause the top layer of skin to overgrow," Dr. Jacob explains.
Skin tags can be removed, for cosmetic reasons, in your dermatologist's office. (Basically, if they don't bother you, there's no pressing need to have them removed.) "They can be snipped with scissors, burned with a little cautery, or frozen with liquid nitrogen," Juzych says. It really depends on how many lesions you have and where they are located. "But remember, if any skin spot changes, bleeds, or itches," she adds, "be sure to have it checked right away." (credit:Alamy)

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