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Dermographism is a type of urticaria, and therefore an allergic reaction to minor skin lesions. Its symptoms are quite characteristic. The essence of dermographism is the strong reaction of the skin to various mechanical stimuli. It can appear even after a firmer hug, leaving a mark on the skin, or scratching the skin. The marks on the skin do not disappear immediately, but only change color and become permanent.
Dermographism means that a sick person can even draw various patterns or inscriptions on their skin. Traces caused by dermographism are not the only symptoms associated with it. Dermographic urticaria may appear over time. It manifests itself as itching and even blisters all over the body. How to proceed when we notice disturbing symptoms?
Dermographism – definition
Dermographism is an allergic reaction of the skin to mechanical stimuli such as rubbing or scratching. Symptoms of dermographism appear within the first seconds of the stimulus. These are, for example, blisters and redness exactly at the point of irritation. Dermographism usually disappears after some time, but it can make the patient’s life difficult.
Dermographism – causes
Dermographism is the most common type of urticaria caused by mechanical stimuli. This hives can affect anyone, regardless of age. However, statistics show that it affects more women than men.
Surprisingly, the cause of dermographism is, among others, various mental shocks. These may be traumas as a result of the patient’s difficult experiences in the past. Symptoms of dermographism may also appear in cardiac neurosis.
They are also caused by the processes taking place in the dermis and systemic diseases such as thyroid disorders.
Dermographism can also worsen during pregnancy, due to a hormonal storm in a woman’s body. Childhood dermographism is usually associated with skin atopy, but there are also idiopathic urticaria, in which it is difficult to find the cause.
Dermographism also occurs in patients undergoing treatment with penicillin. However, the symptoms of dermographism disappear with the completion of treatment.
Dermographism – types
Dermographism can be divided into different types. We distinguish:
- red dermographism – this is the effect of vasodilation, which causes hives on the skin;
- white dermographism – it occurs during atopic dermatitis. As a result of rubbing the epidermis, white streaks are visible as a result of contraction of blood vessels;
- yellow dermographism – changes after a mechanical stimulus turn yellow, which may be the result of developing jaundice.
Dermographism – treatment
Dermographism can make life very difficult, especially in spring and summer. Exposed skin is very vulnerable to various types of damage. They cause itching and skin changes that do not look aesthetically pleasing. In extreme cases, the changes can even be triggered by a hug. Therefore, dermographism prevents some people, for example, from having intercourse.
So getting rid of the symptoms of dermographism is very important. Treatment of dermographism is usually based on antihistamines, glucocorticosteroids, and mast cell stabilizing drugs that release histamine. Although treatment is long-lasting, it usually allows you to successfully get rid of dermographism.
Dermographism is also treated with psychological therapy, which also works.
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