[brief description]

Skin diseases are the most common health problem in America. Almost 73% of people affected with skin disorders do not seek medical advice due to the lack of resources and information or shame. Skin diseases affect the quality of one’s life and have social, financial and psychological consequences, such as anxiety, anger, and depression. 

“I am not my skin.” This is what I tell myself from time to time when I look in the mirror. I have photodermatitis —a skin allergy to sun light. Living with photodermatitis is a physical and emotional drain, and has been since my diagnosis. I am reminded that I have photodermatitis when I get dressed in the morning; as I prepare myself to go outside for a walk; when I take my kids to the park; when I encounter the stares of people; when I itch uncontrollably at night; and when my son’s arms press against my scarred skin. Yet, despite the dark scars that remain of this disease, I have managed to overcome my self-consciousness; my personal experience has led to my interest in studying the physical and physicological transformations of dermatitis.

I intend to express my interpretation of photodermatitis’ unique beauty by completing an examination of its’ simple, yet intricate, characteristics.Using multiple techniques, including line art, watercolor, photography, and info graphics, I will portray my perception about the reality of beauty in today’s society, where technology and mass media continually influence the female self-image. My work will express how this image becomes layered and faceted by societal influences. This project will seek to express the uniqueness and complexity of the self-image in relation to skin disease in current society and its constant transmutation and development.