What Is Dermographism?

Dermographism is a medical condition that is also known as "skin writing.” It’s a form of chronic hives that flares up when the skin is even lightly stroked or scraped with an object. When most people scratch an itch, the skin may show a white line – or even a light red line where the nail contacted the skin. But when someone has dermographism, even that light contact can leave a raised hive in the exact shape of the scratch. Patients can literally write on their skin and see the hives rise up almost immediately. The good news is that the hives go down quickly – usually in less than an hour. The bad news is that almost any contact can set off a reaction.

Dermographism is one of the several types of urticaria – a general term for skin conditions that develop itchy red welts on the skin. These hives can appear on any part of the body. Normally, urticaria is the result of a hypersensitivity reaction to an allergen or an antigen. This causes a release of histamine leading to the welts and hives, swelling, and itching. Unlike most other forms of urticaria, dermographism seems to flare up for no apparent reason.

Day To Day Life with Dermographism

Dermographism can make living a “normal” life a challenging undertaking. Virtually anything can set off an outbreak – anything from the tag on an article of clothing, to brushing up against a passerby. Of course contact sports and even swimming can be challenging. Bedding can cause outbreaks while individuals sleep and even the simple act of toweling off after a shower can result in hives all over the body.

In some individuals, outbreaks come and go without major social impact. With others, however, outbreaks are a seemingly constant possibility – if not probability. Often, the skin becomes itchy and the individual begins scratching without even realizing it. Then, within a matter of minutes the welts rise up in the exact pattern of the scratching. This inevitably leads to questions from friends and coworkers. And over the years, answering those questions can get old.

What Can Be Done?

Unfortunately, there is very little known about the causes of dermographism or even the causes of periodic outbreaks. It may be related to a viral infection, antibiotic treatment, or even emotional upset. The condition seems to be most prevalent in young adults, particularly those in their 20s and 30s – often times flaring up and then subsiding seemingly without cause and without warning.

In some cases, antihistamines can help control the itchiness of an outbreak, but many patients are hesitant to take histamine blockers continually and others simply find that they are not effective in alleviating the symptoms of an outbreak. In many cases, only time can relieve the symptoms of a dermographism outbreak.

Related Articles
	What is a Keloid Scar? How to Prevent and Treat Keloid Scars A keloid scar is an abnormal scar where the scar covers a larger area of the skin than was originally damaged. Keloid scars are often characterized by bumpy patches of raised skin that is like a mountain range forming over the injured site, and are usually darker than the original color of the skin.   ...Read more		How to Fade Scars A scar is the skin’s way of healing and replacing lost or damaged tissue. When skin is injured, fibroblast cells react by producing extra collagen to fill the wound. When scars heal, they can take on a variety of appearances, such as: flat, raise, sunken, pigmented or flesh-toned. Acne is a major   ...Read more