Dermographism or dermatography is a skin condition that causes people to develop embossed marks after scratching the skin, that is, no more scratching, scratches redden and form hives urticaria – like high. The popular name for this problem is writing on the skin, an apt description of this pronounced reaction that is more common among young adults.
Although the word dermographism may seem somewhat exotic, for those who suffer it it is not. It affects 2-5% of the population and is considered one of the most common forms of urticaria, accounting for 7-10% of all cases of skin rashes and swelling. And it is that dermographism occurs as soon as you rub / scratch the skin without itching as in other dermatological pathologies.
The scientific community seems to have a consensus that dermatography is an allergic reaction by releasing specific antibodies (IgE and IgM) in response to scratches, pressure or mild irritation of the skin. This response triggers the release of histamines, which cause the hives.
Factors can worsen dermographism
-Exercise
-Hot
-Cold
-Stress
-Alcohol
The marks usually disappear within about 30 minutes , although the hives may remain longer. Symptoms to this rapidly evolving reaction (about 5 minutes after scratching) are worse at night. The area where clothing rubs against the skin such as shirt collars or sock lines are the most common areas.
The symptoms of dermatography are generally worse at night . Alcohol, stress, and high temperatures can increase itching and associated discomfort.
Prevention
The most important thing is to identify the triggers that make skin worse, such as stress. According to a study published in 2014 in the journal JEADV , 44% of the participants reported feeling that stress caused acute episodes of dermatography.
Tips to reduce the severity of episodes of dermatography:
-Care for the skin and avoid using soaps, lotions or other products that can dry out or irritate the skin
-Avoid the use of fabrics that cause itching, such as wool
-Use moisturizer frequently
-Make sure clothing is loose and does not stick to skin
-Avoid very hot or very cold showers or baths
-Dry gently after swimming or bathing
-Eat many non-inflammatory foods, such as shellfish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, tomatoes, fruits, and olive oil
-Use sunscreen and avoid overexposure to sunlight
According to the same study in the journal JEADV, dermatography has an average duration of 6.5 years. Only 1 in 4 people with this condition reported a longer duration until full remission. Some people suffer from it for the rest of their lives (in the study, 7% of the volunteers said that leading a normal life was impossible).
Reference: Symptomatic dermographism: an inadequately described disease. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (JEADV). DOI: 10.1111 / jdv.12661
