Dermatographia

Alternative Names

Dermatographism

What is Dermatographia

Dermatographia (also known as Dermatographism) is a condition in which lightly scratching your skin causes, red lines where you have scratched. It does not cause serious problems, but it can be uncomfortable. In dermatographia, your skin cells are too sensitive to a small injury, such as scratching or pressing on your skin. Signs and symptoms of dermatographia include redness, itching and swelling similar to hives.

Usually, dermatographia symptoms go away in a short time without any treatment. But if your symptoms are severe or bothering you, your doctor may suggest you to take antihistamines. Simple self-care measures also can help you manage dermatographia.

Signs and symptoms

Other than raised red lines on your skin, dermatographia does not cause any serious problems. However in some people, scratching or rubbing the skin may cause uncomfortable irritation.

Signs and symptoms of dermatographia may include the followings:

• Raised red lines
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Hive-like welts
• Itching

Dermatographia can be cause by simple things such as rubbing from your clothes or bedsheets. Cold, heat, pressure, sunlight and emotion also can trigger dermatographia.

Symptoms of dermatographia appear within a few minutes of your skin being rubbed or scratched. The symptoms may last 30 minutes to a couple of hours, but typically begin to diminish within 15 minutes after the irritation to your skin ends. Dermatographia develops very slowly and lasts several hours to several days and causes burning and pain, but it is very rare.

The condition itself can last for months or years.

Possible complications

Generally, dermatographia is harmless. It does not last marks and often causes only minor symptoms.

What causes

The exact cause of dermatographia is still unknown. It may be caused by an allergic response, however, no specific allergen has been identified.

Prevention

To prevent the symptoms and reduce discomfort you can take these steps:

• Avoid possible causes. If you know you're allergic to certain things, avoid them as best you can. These things may increase your risk of dermatographia.
• Avoid irritating your skin. Refrain from using harsh soaps on your skin. Don't wear clothing made of itchy material, such as wool. Limit your sun exposure. Avoid any irritants that may make your skin prone to itching and discomfort. Hot showers or baths may worsen the symptoms.
• Don't scratch your skin. If you have dermatographia or other skin conditions that may cause frequent itching, try to avoid scratching your skin. Scratching will worsen the condition.
• Keep your skin moisturized. Dry skin tends to make skin itchy. Keep your skin moisturized by using lotions and creams. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Treatment

Treatment of Dermatographia is needed only when symptoms are severe, which is very rare. The dermatologist may recommend antihistamine drugs. These drugs block chemical called histamine, which is responsible for causing inflammations. Histamines are released by the immune system during any allergic reaction.

Do not take histamines without prescription. It may be dangerous to your immune system and health.