Can you have mild dermatographia?
When people who have dermatographia lightly scratch their skin, the scratches redden into a raised wheal similar to hives. These marks usually disappear within 30 minutes. The cause of dermatographia is unknown, but it can be triggered in some people by infections, emotional upset or medications such as penicillin.
How is Dermatographism diagnosed?
Dermatographia is diagnosed with a skin test. Your doctor will likely use a tongue depressor and lightly drag it across a portion of your skin to see if any adverse reactions occur. This test is done at the doctor’s office, and the condition is typically diagnosed within one visit.
Can dermatographia go away?
Symptoms of dermatographia usually go away on their own, and treatment for dermatographia generally isn’t necessary. However, if the condition is severe or bothersome, your doctor may recommend antihistamine medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra) or cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Does Dermatographia go away?
What does it mean when you have dermatographia?
Dermatographism is a common, benign skin condition. People who have this condition develop welts or a localized hive-like reaction when they scratch their skin. It can also happen when the skin is exposed to pressure or rubbing. This condition is also called skin writing, dermographia, or dermatographic urticaria.
How to tell if you have simple dermatographism?
In “simple dermatographism,” people will simply notice swelling/redness where the skin has been stroked. In “symptomatic dermatographism” (a more rare condition), people will notice significant itching to accompany the redness/swelling where the skin has been stroked. Some people may experience only minor and short-lasting urticaria (hives).
When is dermatographia more common in young adults?
Dermatographia can occur at any age, but it tends to be more common in teenagers and young adults. If you have other skin conditions, such as dry skin or dermatitis, you may be more susceptible to dermatographia.
How long does it take for dermatographia to appear?
Symptoms of dermatographism include: How is dermatographism diagnosed? Dermatographism appears within 5 to 7 minutes after skin is irritated. If the skin is stroked and hives appear, they will occur in the same direction and orientation as the irritation.