Written by: Isabella Sukh
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Lohi Pratti
Dermatographia, also known as dermographism, is a common skin condition that causes raised marks when a person with the disorder scratches their skin. The term dermatographia literally means “write on the skin.” With this condition, a linear wheal forms in the direction of an external force, one that places downward pressure on the skin. A wheal is a red, swollen mark left on the flesh by a blow or pressure. The disorder can occur at any age; however, it tends to be more common in teens and young adults. If you have other skin conditions, like eczema, you may be at greater risk. Dermatographia is common, affecting about 2% to 5% of the general population. Symptoms may include: raised, discolored skin, swelling, inflammation, hive-like welts, and itchy skin. The welts don't hurt but can be itchy. It is not harmful to the person and usually goes away within 30 minutes without treatment.
It's possible for the condition to continue for months, years, or for the rest of your life. Most researchers think that symptomatic dermatographia has no clear cause, but different ideas have been put forward. One potential cause is bacterial or fungal infections, in scabies, bites, parasitosis, or treatment with penicillin.
While there aren’t clear causes of the condition, simple things may trigger the symptoms of dermatographia. Some triggers may include: allergies, heat, cold, and stress. After an external trigger, even something as simple as stroking the skin, the whole reaction takes, on average, up to 5 minutes. The wheal can last for up to half an hour. People with dermatographia are frequently advised to stay away from foods that could cause inflammation, such as:
● Red meat
● Processed meat
● Fried foods
● Refined carbohydrates
● Beverages sweetened with sugar
Controlling dermatographia requires preventing and avoiding triggering causes like physical stimulation and reducing stresses. The majority of people are asymptomatic, thus only those with symptoms should receive treatment. Treatment with H1 antihistamines like
cetirizine or loratadine is typically the first choice. However, this may not work for all individuals with this condition, and there are alternative treatments that may help with symptoms. You can lessen symptoms by following a good skin care regimen, managing your stress, following a healthy diet, and staying hydrated.
Image Source: Ariana Page Russell
References:
“Dermatographia (Dermatographism).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Feb. 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dermatographia/symptoms-causes/syc-20371411.
“Dermatographia: Causes and Treatment of Skin Writing.” Medical News Today, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319258#causes-and-risk-factors.
Kulthanan K, Ungprasert P, Tuchinda P, Chularojanamontri L, Rujitharanawong C, Kiratiwongwan R, Jantanapornchai N, Hawro T, Maurer M. Symptomatic Dermographism: A Systematic Review of Treatment Options. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020 Oct;8(9):3141-3161. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.05.016. Epub 2020 May 28. PMID: 32473421.
Nobles T, Muse ME, Schmieder GJ. Dermatographism. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531496/
Wong RC, Fairley JA, Ellis CN. Dermographism: a review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1984 Oct;11(4 Pt 1):643-52. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(84)70222-2. PMID: 6386900.
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