Kamala Harris recently released her medical records as part of her campaign, sparking curiosity about her health. The report, shared by her physician, mentions that she suffers from urticaria, a condition commonly known as hives. But it raises the question: could this be a sign of dermatographia?
What is Dermatographia?
Dermatographia, also called “skin writing,” is a condition where even light pressure or scratching can cause raised, red welts. It’s a form of physical urticaria, which means it’s triggered by contact with the skin. Many people with dermatographia don’t even realize they have it until they notice odd marks after something as simple as a scratch or rubbing against clothing.
Kamala Harris’ physician didn’t specifically mention dermatographia in her medical summary. However, her condition—urticaria—can sometimes include similar symptoms. Urticaria, in Harris’ case, is treated with allergen immunotherapy, which helps reduce the immune system’s overreaction to certain triggers.
Comparing Urticaria and Dermatographia
Urticaria and dermatographia are related, but they’re not the same. Dermatographia happens directly in response to skin pressure or scratches, while urticaria can have many different triggers, including allergies and stress. In Harris’ case, her hives are described as mild, and her treatment seems to be effective in keeping symptoms in check, according to NBC News.
It’s important to understand that dermatographia affects about 5% of the population. It can be annoying but is generally not dangerous. If Harris did have dermatographia, it’s likely her doctor would have mentioned it, given the public’s focus on her health.
Could Harris Have Dermatographia?
While Harris’ medical report doesn’t mention dermatographia, it’s still a possibility given the similar symptoms between the two conditions. Urticaria comes in many forms, and dermatographia is one of them. If her hives are triggered by physical pressure, it could point in that direction. But for now, her doctors have only noted her mild allergic reactions and treatments like over-the-counter allergy medications and immunotherapy, as noted in CNN’s coverage.
Her physician, Dr. Joshua Simmons, also noted that Harris is in excellent health overall. She exercises regularly and maintains a healthy diet, with no serious medical issues. This could be why there’s no specific concern about her skin condition—she’s not experiencing any severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
What Do We Know?
At this point, it’s clear that Vice President Kamala Harris is healthy and fit for office. Her doctor gave her a glowing report, and her urticaria is well-managed. Whether she has dermatographia is still an open question, but given the similarities between the two conditions, it wouldn’t be surprising if some of her symptoms overlap. For now, though, the focus remains on her fitness for the demanding role she plays in the White House.
For more on Harris’ medical report, you can check out the full summary here. You can also read additional coverage from TIME for a comparison with other political figures’ health records.
I think more people have this, they just don’t talk much about it…
It’s absolutely ridiculous that people are questioning Kamala Harris over something as trivial as her medical history. She’s clearly been transparent about her health, releasing detailed records that show she’s fit and ready for the job. This obsession with picking apart every aspect of her personal life is nothing more than a distraction from the real issues. Harris has proven time and again that she is capable of handling the responsibilities of Vice President—and potentially President. Trying to create doubts around her competence, especially when her health is solid according to credible medical professionals, is nothing short of disrespectful. Let’s focus on the policies and the actual leadership she’s demonstrated, not unnecessary speculation about her health!
Is there a cure? I think I’ve had this same thing for many years. Tired of avoiding clothes, hot showers, etc!