Dermatographic urticaria

Dermatographic Urticaria

Dermatographic urticaria (pronunciation: der-ma-to-graph-ic ur-ti-ca-ri-a), also known as Dermographism or Skin Writing, is a type of urticaria or hives that appears when the skin is lightly scratched or rubbed.

Etymology

The term 'Dermatographic urticaria' is derived from the Greek words 'derma' meaning skin, 'grapho' meaning to write, and 'urtica' meaning nettle. The term 'urticaria' is derived from the Latin word 'urtica', meaning nettle, and the suffix '-aria', meaning pertaining to.

Definition

Dermatographic urticaria is a skin disorder seen as a rash that appears in the form of welts or wheals on the skin shortly after it is scratched or rubbed. The condition is also known as skin writing, as the welts can be induced to form shapes or letters. It is one of the most common types of physical urticaria.

Symptoms

The main symptom of dermatographic urticaria is the appearance of red, raised welts or hives on the skin that are usually itchy. These welts can appear anywhere on the body and typically fade within 30 minutes to a few hours. Other symptoms may include itching, redness, and swelling.

Causes

The exact cause of dermatographic urticaria is unknown. However, it is thought to be caused by an overactive immune response to minor skin trauma. Other potential triggers include stress, infections, allergens, and certain medications.

Treatment

Treatment for dermatographic urticaria primarily involves avoiding scratching or rubbing the skin. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce itching and swelling. In severe cases, prescription medications may be needed.

Related Terms

• Urticaria
• Physical Urticaria
• Hives
• Antihistamines

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Dermatographic urticaria
• Wikipedia's article - Dermatographic urticaria

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