The Itch Factor

Has this pandemic been getting you down? Want to get involved in the TSW/eczema community to inspire others but feel like doing it in a fun, creative way? Come on over to @theitchfactor on Instagram to see what we’re about and submit a video of you sharing your talent! Let me get you acquainted with us over at The Itch Factor by telling you how it all started.

Creating something to get involved in

Linette Roungchun (@linettero) Sean Dillnutt (@tsw_seandillnutt) are the co-creators of The Itch Factor (big thanks to @lukejacobsma for coming up with the name!). After a heart-felt global MeetUp with fellow warriors in April, they both felt that the skin community needed something different yet still cathartic and inspiring to get involved in.

How "The Itch Factor" came to be

Linette told Sean about her crazy idea of a virtual showcase and safe space where all itchy skin warriors could have a stage to share their craft, no matter what state their skin was in. Instead of agreeing with the tinge of doubt in her voice, he met the excitement in her voice with his. In fact, Sean told her that this was an excellent idea, and with even more crazy ideas and ambitions gathered in their arms, they started creating The Itch Factor!

Small seeds grow into big ideas

Let’s take a few steps back to witness when the small seed that grew into The Itch Factor was planted. Last year after some oozing had dried up and wounds scabbed over, Linette was finally able to open her mouth properly to sing. She was absolutely thrilled that this simple act was even possible! Though her physical body was in pain, her spirit soared. She knew that she could not be the only warrior out there that had this same experience. Months later, the pandemic began, and people worldwide tried to make their outdoor worlds somehow translate into the virtual realm. Linette started asking @tsw_hollie (comedian), @mae_tswww (singer-songwriter), and @adammoymusic (singer-songwriter) if they would be interested in doing their own solo acts before each global MeetUp. The idea of these small one-person shows evolved into full-fledged hour-long shows with casts of up to 19 international artists.

An expanding event

The Itch Factor first aired in its bare-bones form on Saturday, May 16th, 2020, on a zoom call with a crowd of itchy warriors excited and waiting in anticipation to see their fellow warriors shine. We were nervous about the response, but our fears subsided once the positive and enthusiastic comments flowed into the chat. The Itch Factor was a hit! Since then, The Itch Factor has done two more productions in partnership with the National Eczema Association. Both have been LIVE so that if inspired, those in the audience can jump in and present their talent! We had a strong 3-year old girl named Bailey Bryant show us her tumbling skills at our latest event!

A safe space for eczema warriors

As with any new production, we have experienced a few bumps and learning curves along the way. But with the enthusiasm and love from our communities, we continue to bring you these talented, selfless artists who remind us time and again that we deserve to be seen for who we really are - through our artistic expression rather than judged by the condition of our skin.

Join us in helping inspire our community and submit your next performance to The Itch Factor! Unsure about what to submit? Contact me on Instagram @linettero or Sean @tsw_seandillnutt, and we’ll help you figure it out!