Skin writing is a condition known as dermographic urticaria. When persons with Dermatographia scratch their skin lightly, the scratches turn into a raised wheal that looks like hives. Dermatographia, often known as skin writing, is a prevalent disorder that affects 2 to 5% of the population. It is one of the most common types of hives, accounting for around 7% to 10% of all occurrences of skin rashes and swelling.
What is Dermatographia?
Dermographic urticaria, also known as Dermatographia or skin writing, is an allergic response that occurs when the skin is scratched. Dermatographia is a skin ailment in which people acquire raised welts after scratching their skin. Skin writing is a common moniker for the disorder and a good description of the pronounced reaction. Hives or welts are the appearances of this response. When the skin is massaged, or pressure is applied, this might happen. It’s relatively frequent, and it’s not harmful.
Dermatographia Symptoms
This illness causes red welts where your skin has been scraped or irritated recently. The response occurs quickly, usually within 5 to 7 minutes of the skin is disturbed. It usually goes away in 15 to 30 minutes. However, the welts can sometimes persist longer. The symptoms of Dermatographia are frequently severe at night. Itching and pain can be exacerbated by alcohol, stress, and extreme temperatures. Skin writing symptoms vary from person to person. However, there are several similar signs:
- Inflammation
- Welts in the shape of hives or elevated areas.
- Raised red lines that develop in a pattern similar to your fingernails.
- Swelling
- Itching
What Treatment Solutions are Available?
Dermographic urticaria is typically treated with nonsedating antihistamines purchased over the counter. Cromolyn, a prescription medicine, has also proven helpful in some circumstances. Antihistamines do not work for everyone with skin writing, but several therapies can help alleviate the symptoms.
Risk Factors
Dermatographia can strike anybody at any age, although teens and young adults are more likely to experience it. You may be more prone to Dermatographia if you have other skin diseases such as dry skin or dermatitis. Any skin issue that leads you to scratch frequently might put you in danger.
What Causes It?
The specific causes of dermatographism are unknown to experts. Although no specific allergen has been identified, it may be an allergic reaction. The welts are thought to occur due to a release of histamine, a chemical produced by your body when it detects an invading allergen. Because no allergen is present, the histamine generates welts and hives, which are an overreaction.
Treatment and Diagnosis
A simple test can help your doctor detect Dermatographia. They softly massage your skin with a tongue depressor or other instrument, creating lines. They wait for welts to appear within a few minutes. Dermatographia has no known treatment. You probably won’t require therapy because the symptoms will go gone shortly. Some people, however, may find their hives to be highly irritating and unpleasant.
To End
Different people have different reactions to dermographic urticaria. It resolves fully for some people within a few months, while it persists for others for years. According to some studies, the illness either goes away or stabilizes to the point that it is no longer a concern for most people within 1 to 2 years. The majority of persons with Dermatographia do not seek therapy. Your doctor may prescribe allergy drugs such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine if your signs and symptoms are particularly troublesome.
