Original
Happy, yes. Altered life, yes! It's upsetting to go into public in shorts or a skirt and now my upper arms are pretty affected too, so I do find myself covering up more and more. People stare, kids and adults ask if I have chicken pox and don't seem satisfied when I respond with a brief explanation, "no, I have chronic hives that are pigmented." No pools or beaches, going on boats with friends...I avoid these situations because they're uncomfortable...and they're unfortunately my favorite places to spend free time.