This skin disorder is also known as dermographism or skin writing. Its a rare disorder that causes scratches on the skin to redden and swell, taking on the appearance of hives. Even the lightest of scratches can become welts. The welts only last about a half an hour. According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of dermatographia is unknown, but it can be triggered in some people by infections, emotional upset or medications. Those with dermatographia can lightly scratch words and symbols onto their skin that will rise and turn extremely red, suggesting possession or demonic attack to outside observers, which is a good trick to have if youre filming a movie or want a better seat on the bus. In H.A. Kellys book The Devil, Demonology and Witchcraft: Christian Beliefs in Evil Spirits, the author recounts a story from exorcist Father Bowderns experiences in which skin writing suddenly appeared on a boys body. The red welts spelled out HELL and lasted for about half an hour. Additionally, the people of ancient Egypt, Assyria, Judea and Greece believed that illnesses were the result of demonic possession and exorcism was the only cure. While nowadays we understand germ theory, and that the brain is frightening territory, some people still ascribe to a belief in demons and thusly believe that psychiatric disorders are the results of possession. Unless the patients head is spinning in circles and shes spitting pea soup (of which there isnt any in the room) then Occams razor would suggest otherwise. Nonetheless, unseen skin writing works to deepen this belief. Skin writing can be treated with anti-inflammatories and allergy medicines. Limiting exposure to hot water and using a really thick moisturizer helps as well. Of all of the conditions on this list, this is one that is generally harmless, unless youre a kid with old-school Catholic parents.
