Dermatographic urticaria, or skin writing, is a skin disorder where the skin is sensitive to touch or pressure, causing a raised, itchy, red rash. It can be caused by an allergic skin condition, and treatment involves antihistamines. Diagnosis is done by stroking the skin with an object. Treatment is not always necessary, but antihistamines and cortisone creams can help relieve symptoms.
Dermatologic urticaria, also known as dermatographism, is a type of skin disorder in which the skin is extremely sensitive to touch or pressure. This condition is often referred to as skin writing due to the development of a raised, itchy, red rash when the skin is touched or scratched. It is believed to be caused by some sort of allergic skin condition, although the possible allergens that lead to this condition have not been identified. Treatment for dermatographic urticaria often involves the use of antihistamines, which are medications used to treat a variety of allergic conditions.
Hives are an itchy, red rash that is often raised and itchy. People who have dermatographic urticaria may develop hives whenever the skin is scratched, rubbed, or otherwise irritated. Other factors, such as sudden changes in temperature or stress, can lead to an outbreak of hives. This skin condition can affect anyone at any age. This condition can go away on its own after several years, can lessen in intensity over time, or can last a lifetime.
In many cases, dermatographic urticaria symptoms will appear within minutes of the skin being gently stroked or scratched with an object such as a pen. These symptoms usually go away without treatment within an hour or so. In other forms of this skin condition, symptoms can last for several hours. One example is delayed pressure dermatographism, which can cause pain and a burning sensation that can last for several hours after pressure is applied to the skin.
Getting a diagnosis for this skin condition is a simple procedure. Your doctor will stroke your skin with an object, such as a pen, and then check for raised red marks along the path the pen takes, indicating a positive diagnosis of dermatographic urticaria. Diagnosing delayed pressure dermatographism often involves placing an object, such as a heavy backpack, on the shoulders for a period of time and then checking the skin for symptoms.
Medical treatment is not always necessary for dermatographic urticaria. If the rash caused by this skin condition is not painful or itchy, no treatment is indicated. Those who experience symptoms are usually prescribed antihistamines to use whenever symptoms appear. Cortisone creams can also help relieve some of the itching. Infants and young children diagnosed with this condition are usually given antihistamines until they are old enough to report whether the symptoms are troublesome.
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