Dermatographia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Dermatographia, or also known as skin writing, is a condition in which a person scratches the skin gently. The scratches will turn reddish accompanied by hives that appear to resemble the shape of a scratch. The marks generally disappear in about 30 minutes.
The cause of dermatographia is not known for certain, but in some people, it can be triggered by infections, emotional changes, or taking certain drugs. Most people with dermatographia do not seek treatment. However, if the complaint is very disturbing, the doctor can prescribe certain drugs.
Symptom
Signs and symptoms of dermatographia can occur when the skin is scratched. Signs and symptoms do not appear on their own and are a reaction to the scratching that occurs.
Some examples of signs and symptoms that can arise are:
- redness
- Marks that appear on the skin resembling writing
- Deep wound
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling, or inflammation
Symptoms generally last for about 30 minutes. In rare cases, symptoms may last up to a day or more. However, the condition of dermatographia itself can last for months to years.
Symptoms can also get worse due to several factors, such as temperature. Temperatures that are too hot, too cold, or dry air can increase the incidence of dermatographia.
Reason
The cause of dermatographia is not known with certainty. However, this condition is thought to be triggered by:
- stress
- Allergy history
- The excessive friction from clothing or bed sheets
- Infection
- Certain medications, such as penicillin
- Sports that cause excessive friction to the skin, such as wrestling
Although the exact cause is not known, there are several risk factors that are thought to be associated with dermatographia. The risk of developing this condition may increase in individuals who:
- Have dry skin. Have a previous history of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).
- Being in the young adult age group
- Often experience scratches on the skin
- Have certain thyroid diseases
- Have a neurological disorder or other diseases that causes the skin to itch
Diagnosis
Dermatographia is generally diagnosed by medical interviews, physical examinations, 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 accompanied by hives which can appear in a few minutes.
Treatment
Except for prolonged dermatographia, generally treatment is not always needed. Certain types of allergy medications can be prescribed by doctors to treat complaints of itching and redness due to inflammation of dermatographia.
In more severe cases, doctors may recommend phototherapy.
Prevention
Although dermatographia can cause discomfort, the negative reactions that arise from this condition can be prevented. Some lifestyle changes and preventive actions that can be taken are:
- Avoid clothing or sheets that cause itching. Materials such as wool and synthetic materials can irritate the skin of some people.
- Using soap without certain chemicals that can cause itchy skin.
- Take a shower using warm water.
- Use a skin moisturizer every day.
- Dealing with stress, by exercising regularly, ensuring enough sleep, and doing recreation.
- Avoid excessive scratching of the skin, which can worsen dermatographia.