An Introduction To My Skin

This piece serves as a visual of my skin condition, epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, which is discussed in "And They Call Me A Freak". For more information concerning ichthyosis you can to go scalyskin.org or ichthyosis.com.

-Part of Creative Writing Portfolio 2008-

Credits:
Photographs of Me: Laura Watkin
Photograph of Typical EHK Case: F.I.R.S.T.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• ichthyosis
• creative
• writing
• inc
• and
• they
• call
• me
• freak
• kirstin
• bone

[townsendapril]

i have a daughter that is 10, and she has EHK. she always asked is she the only one like this because she never seen no one with her skin condition. I had to deal with teachers singling her out form the other kids like she is contagious. i try my best with issues like these. i see you had good support as you was growing up because you are so confident about yourself. will you be willing to help be a support so she wouldn't feel so left out at times. she has the confident but at times it just get

[CreativeWritingInc]

@townsendapril EHK is definitely a difficult thing to deal with. Growing up I had the same problems--both with teachers and other students. It's really a matter of staying strong and proving that, in reality, your daughter is no different (if not better) than the other kids. I'd definitely recommend checking ichthyosis . com to see if there is anyone in your area that your daughter could meet.

[KhrisRedfield]

dont worry, in part thats cool cause ur not like everyone else u see? u cuold become a superheroine like that!!!!

[CreativeWritingInc]

I actually had a friend at work say something like that to me. She said I was her new favorite superhero. :) And I'm perfectly fine being a little different, it makes life more of an adventure that way.

[townsendapril]

hay my daughter is 10 years old and she has ehk. I seen your post and I see that you are very confident about yourself. and thats how i want my daugther to grow up. the teachers and other students make her feel like she should be ashamed of herself. my daughter's ehk is y worser than yours though. the only part the is clear on her is her face. she also has the calluses skin on her hand and feet. she alway ask me is she the only one like this. because she don't know no one like her.

[100MilestoSanJ]

a girl at my school has that but shes like all completly pink.

[CreativeWritingInc]

Contact sports are just a little too fun--I used to fence and play basketball. I'm in my early twenties, which means that college has been quite the adventure. I'm glad your not letting EHK get you down, there is way too many great things in life to let a little scaling lock you away.

[CreativeWritingInc]

I've tried different creams that burned and stuff, but eventually decided it wasn't worth it (since it really didn't make much of a difference with my skin). But I'm really happy that you found something to help you--that really is fantastic.

[CreativeWritingInc]

It's a rather rare thing. Last time I saw someone else with EHK was when I happened to go to an Ichthyosis convention. I'm lucky that I don't peel too badly. People can be so lame for thinking we're freaks because of our skin.