Urticaria Dermatographism

Dermatographism is a form of urticaria expression where one is able to write on the skin. It is nothing but a heightened sensitivity of skin whereby when pressed with an object or fingernail, the skin shows raised eruptions of urticaria, which may remain on skin for some time.

Dermatographism is observed in about 5% of the urticaria patients. The write of this article suspects based on experience that it is likely to be more as many patients may not experiment with pressing their skin with such objects.

Symptoms:

The typical appearance of dermatographism is shown in a picture of one of the patents treated at Life Force. The eruptions in this case are linier, raised inflamed, swollen in look which  may be with of without itching.  

Some of the patients may not have experienced such writing on the skin but may present with pressure urticaria.

Causes: What goes behind the skin writing?

Well, dermatographism is shown on the skin is the result of a complex play of immune cells in behind the skin. Usually, in response to the allergy (and allergens) blood cells release histamine, which leads to urticaria. However, in case of dermatographism, it is believed that the mast cells release histamine without any allergens. This happens due to weak membrane of mast cells which is responsible for histamine release due to pressure. (Mast cells  are normal cells residing the the skin tissues and useful for healing of wounds.)

The exact cause of dermatographism is not fully understood. The factors which may trigger are more or less same as those of urticaria, as explained on this website.

Symptoms:

Symptoms are lines and words (whatever one writes!) on skin, with raised hives, associated with itching and swelling. It may last for a few minutes to hours or rarely days. In some cases there may be simultaneous appearance of hives elsewhere on the skin as well.

The tendency of having dermatographism may last for months or years.

Treatment:

a. Conventional treatment for Dermatographism:

The treatment same as that for urticaria, which include anti-histamines, H₁ or H₂ antagonists and cortisone. With the symptomatic approach, dermatographism has been found to be very difficult to treat as far its recurring tendency is concerned.

b. Homeopathic treatment for Dermatographism

Homeopathic treatment aims at treating the fundamental tendency of having dermatographism, where this tendency is understood to be an expression of deeper level of immunological disturbance. The treatment is different than treating simple cases of urticaria. Another level of medicines are called for.

The results in the cases are Dermatographism using homeopathy are superior.

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