Dermatographism is a type of hives caused by pressure on the skin, resulting in a rash that can be itchy or painful. It is not harmful but can be uncomfortable. Antihistamines and sedatives can help manage the condition. Patients can also write or draw on their skin, which appears as a raised bruise that fades quickly. Children with the condition may be mistaken for abuse victims, so parents should inform those who interact with the child regularly.
Dermatographism is a form of hives or rash caused by pressure on the skin. In some patients, even a light brush against the skin can bring out a rash, while in others it may be necessary to touch them more firmly, such as with a blunt instrument such as a pen or tongue depressor. This condition is rarely harmful, although it can sometimes be a source of irritation. For patients experiencing more severe symptoms, medications are available.
Hives come in a large number of forms and can be caused by many different things. A classic hives take the form of a raised red welt, which can be itchy or painful. In the case of dermatographism, also known as dermatographia or dermatographic urticaria, the rash appears to be autoimmune in origin. Doctors theorize that the rash is caused by the release of histamines from mast cells located just under the skin; evidently, in people with dermatographism, the cell walls are weak, making it easy for mast cells to rupture with light contact.
The term “dermatographism” literally means “skin writing”, describing one of the most interesting applications for patients with dermatographism. Using a light touch, a patient can literally write on their skin and the writing will appear as a raised bruise that will fade within minutes or hours. People can also draw on themselves, as an artist with dermatographism did.
For people unfamiliar with the condition, dermatographism can be alarming, because a light touch or scratch can swell into an ugly red welt that makes it look like the patient has been abused. However, bruises usually fade quickly and don’t leave a lasting impression. Most commonly, patients experience just a little itchiness, although some people with dermatographism may feel pain, and sometimes it can take minutes or even hours for bruising to show.
Children with dermatographism are sometimes mistaken for abuse if the bruises persist, because a doctor, teacher, or member of law enforcement may see the bruises and think they are the result of injury inflicted by someone else. For this reason, parents of a child with the condition may want to send a medical note to people who interact with the child regularly so they are aware of the situation.
Some patients find their dermatographism uncomfortable or painful, in which case antihistamines may be prescribed to counteract the mast cells and make bruising less common and less noticeable. Some sedatives also appear to be effective in managing this condition.
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