What is Dermatographia?
Dermatographia is a condition often known as skin writing. This condition occurs when someone scratches their skin gently, and the scratches will become red and bumpy, similar to itchy bumps.
The marks usually disappear within about 30 minutes. The cause of dermatographia is unknown, but it is usually triggered by infection, emotional distress, or medications.
Most people who have dermatographia do not seek treatment. However, if the symptoms are very bothersome, a doctor may recommend allergy medications.
Symptoms of Dermatographia
Dermatographia symptoms will not appear on their own. Dermatographia appears when the skin is scratched. Signs and symptoms of dermatographia include bumpy skin-like lines, redness, swelling, inflammation to itching.
Well, this condition can last for about 30 minutes at a time. In rare cases, symptoms last for a day or more. However, the dermatographia condition itself can last for months or years.
Certain temperatures can also potentially worsen this condition, such as cold or hot air. So can dry air or water that is too hot. If it does not heal or gets worse, it is advisable to see a doctor.
Causes of Dermatographia
So far, it is not known for sure what causes dermatographia. There are many factors that can trigger it, one of which is an allergic response, friction, and scratches with objects. Infection, emotional disorders, and drugs are also risk factors for dermatographia.
Although the cause is unknown, a person is at greater risk of experiencing dermatographia if they have dry skin, a history of dermatitis, frequent scratching, thyroid disease, or have a nervous disorder or internal disease that causes itchy skin.
In general, children are more susceptible to dermatitis. However, dermatographia is more likely to be experienced by teenagers and adults.
Risk Factors for Dermatographia
Several risk factors are thought to be associated with dermatographia. The risk of dermatographia is increased in individuals with these conditions:
- Have dry skin;
- Have a history of dermatitis (skin inflammation) before;
- Be in the young adult age group;
- Frequent scratches on the skin;
- Have certain thyroid diseases; and
- Having a nerve disorder or other disease that causes the skin to become itchy
Diagnosis of Dermatographia
Dermatographia is generally diagnosed with a medical interview, physical examination, and skin tests.
The doctor can use a tool that is placed and dragged on the skin to see if there is a reaction. In dermatographia, the reaction that occurs can be a red line with hives that can appear within a few minutes.
Dermatographia Treatment
Dermatographia symptoms can go away on their own, usually within 30 minutes. However, dermatographia itself is a condition that cannot be cured. The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms experienced by sufferers.
If after some time the swelling of the skin does not go away on its own, the doctor will prescribe antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, fexofenadine, or cetirizine.
Antihistamines work by inhibiting the production of histamine in the body. They can also reduce the itching of hives.
Complications of Dermatographia
Dermatographia rarely becomes serious. In rare cases, symptoms may last for a day or more.
However, dermatographia itself can last for months or years. Symptoms can worsen in extreme temperatures.
Prevention of Dermatographia
Although dermatographia can cause discomfort, negative reactions that arise from this condition can be prevented. Some lifestyle changes and preventive measures that can be taken are:
- Avoid itchy clothing or bedding. Materials such as wool and synthetic materials can irritate some people’s skin.
- Use soap without certain chemicals that can cause itchy skin.
- Take a shower using warm water.
- Use skin moisturizer every day.
- Manage stress by exercising regularly, ensuring adequate sleep, and engaging in recreation.
- Avoid excessive scratching of the skin, which can worsen dermatographia.
