Melissa Tarntino, aged 47, grapples with dermatographia, an obscure skin condition known as “skin writing,” where her skin reacts with red welts to even the gentlest touch. Leveraging her lifelong passion for painting, Melissa has ingeniously transformed her condition into a positive outlet, creating breathtaking body art.
Employing just her finger, Melissa delicately traces flowers, trees, butterflies, and tranquil scenes onto her skin. Thanks to her unique condition, the designs manifest as vividly red and swollen before gradually fading over time.
Describing her creative process, Melissa remarked, “It’s mostly doodling, but it truly allows me to express myself as an artist.”
Through turning her condition into a source of beauty, Melissa serves as an inspiration to others grappling with “skin writing.” Approximately 5% of the world’s population shares this condition.
“I never used to consider drawing on myself, but I discovered that it was a way to fully embrace my condition,” Melissa expressed. “While many sufferers understandably choose to conceal, I opt to be an example that it’s okay to be different. I am able to make the best of it and find joy in the process.”
Maintaining such a positive attitude becomes invaluable when dealing with a challenging condition like hers.
“A lot of times, I will experience a major flare-up, and my skin, from head to toe, feels like it is crawling, and it itches uncontrollably,” Melissa explained. “During a flare-up, even putting on clothes will cause my skin to itch and welt.”
Nevertheless, Melissa embraces the opportunity to create art on her own skin.
“It truly is a gift to have. If I could eliminate every aspect of the condition except the ability to draw on myself, I would,” Melissa expressed.
