Categories: uncategorized
Date: 07 July 2006 23:32:36
Ages ago I was tagged to tell you five unusual things about me and I have just realised I've never actually done it. Not that I'm going to do it now. No, I'll leave you in suspense and think about it some more. (Hmm... maybe one of the things is that I tend to procrastinate, but then judging by SOME people on the wibsite, that's hardly unusual). I will, however, tell you one.
Unusual thing about Smudgie #1 : I have dermatographic urticaria. Google it, and you'll find some fascinating images. I quite like this one - http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm/result.cfm?Diagnosis=22 . And http://ivillage.medicdirect.co.uk/diseases.asp?pid=645&step=4 gives a fairly good description What it basically means is that my skin responds with an allergy-type reaction to touch, especially when heat or water are involved. Within five minutes I get red marks, like a scratch, on my skin which can then develop into wheals. It itches and burns sometimes, sometimes hardly noticeably (until some smart-alec comments "Did you know you've scratched your face?") but if I forget to take my tablets I really do know about it. Touch from my clothes can do it, just rubbing my skin with a finger can do it, the blunt end of a pencil can be used to write surprise messages on my arms or back or thigh (to the shock of anyone not expecting it). And the fact that it itches unbearably causes a vicious circle as it means I end up rubbing or scratching to ease the itch and thus making it even worse. Soaking in a bath helps, until I come to dry myself on a towel.
What prompts me to mention this as the first of my "odd things about me"? Well, for some obscure reason - possibly stress, although I am not particularly more stressed today than I have been for ages, so more likely simply that my body is just accustomed to the antihistamines and they need changing - my tablets have not worked at all today and I am a red, itchy blob. The palms of my hands itch; the soles of my feet itch; the back of my neck itches; my eyeballs itch; and some places better not described in too much detail are driving me totally insane. Insane, I say. Naturally it is the weekend and I cannot get the alternative prescription until Monday. And of course, because the warmth and contact makes it worse, being snuggled up in bed is a bit of a nightmare.
I have only one thing to say.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!