Photodermatitis is an abnormal state of the skin (allergy) caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, which is found in sunlight. It's often referred to as sun poisoning or photoallergy and diagnosed in many cases as Eczema. I have a very visible and aggressive form of photodermatitis since I was a 3 year-old. The best way for me to describe it is by comparing it to a sunburn times 3 -- once the skin is exposed to the sunlight for a long period of time, it becomes irritated and itchy, then tiny blisters or bumps appear. The itch escalates, so I start scratching (this can become uncontrollable) until the skin breaks and eventually bleeds. The blisters dry out slowly by themselves or with the help of prescribed creams. Oftentimes, while it’s healing, my skin becomes itchy again, so I scratch and break the scabs, which impedes the healing process. Once the scabs heal completely, they leave dark brown scars.
Sometimes there aren't blisters or bumps on the outside, but a type of internal bruising (red color) that itch uncontrollably until it hurts. My immediate solution when this happens is to apply cold compresses or to apply ice cubes directly on the skin.
Photodermatitis can be genetic -- you can be born with it (as in the case of my older brother), it can start early in life (as in my case), or it can appear once you are an adult (as in the case of my older sister).
In the Spring of 2012 as part of my senior thesis project I wrote and illustrated a book about my experiences with photodermamitis as a young girl. As a mother to a pre-teen daughter at that time, I was intimately aware of (and became concerned about) society's influence on her perception of self-image.
In the Spring of 2012 as part of my senior thesis project I wrote and illustrated a book about my experiences with photodermamitis as a young girl. As a mother to a pre-teen daughter at that time, I was intimately aware of (and became concerned about) society's influence on her perception of self-image.
Writing this book became a way for me to embrace my skin for what it holds--not for how it looks from the outside, and to show my daughter the beauty in overcoming adversity.
This blog is a celebration and appreciation of my skin. Where I intend to log, recollect, and share some images and stories about my skin condition. I'd like to reach out and connect with those that are going through the same thing I had once gone through and those who do not necessarily have a skin condition, but perhaps battle the societal influences with regards to one’s self image.
This blog is a celebration and appreciation of my skin. Where I intend to log, recollect, and share some images and stories about my skin condition. I'd like to reach out and connect with those that are going through the same thing I had once gone through and those who do not necessarily have a skin condition, but perhaps battle the societal influences with regards to one’s self image.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Ana
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