Skin Care World

Hi my name is Joe, I'm 17, and was diagnosed with dermographism about 6 months ago but have had the symptoms for about at least two years. I'm taking Claritin and I don't itch but I still get hives all the time. One thing I've noticed is that I have very pale skin and thought that could be part of it. Hopefully it will go away someday. It's embarrassing and frankly, it sucks.

Hi
This is Debbie again, my last message was posted in July 2007 regarding "The curse" I told all of you I would be getting back to you regarding Stinging Nettle, Vitamin C and Detox. Here I am to tell you what happened as I am always striving for a way out of using anti-histimines. Stinging nettle forget it I was told by a holistic doctor in a holistic store that it wouldn't work as it's not strong enough. Of course did not waste money on that. Vitamin C I do take, don't know if that has done anything for the itch though. Detox costs are ridiculous so I decided not to do it. I will tell you what I did because I am sick and tired of this. I've heard so many times that the mind is very powerful and the body is unbelievable at handling things that are not right in the body so I took it upon myself to handle this by using my mental strength that the good lord gave me. I have now stopped taking anti-histimines but yes I still have itch but guess what? it's not as bad as I thought it would be, if the itch gets a little out of control I grab an ice cube and rub it on it or if that's not convenient at the time I get to a tap and run the cold water on it Anything cold is good for it. I know it sounds tough and believe me it is especially in the beginning just like everything else but let's face it, taking anti-histimines everyday or a few times a week is not good for your body as far as I'm concerned it can't be, it's a foreign substance. I decided to do it this way and I'm glad I did. Taking the anti-histimine once a week just for a little break from any kind of itch at all would be better then taking it more then that in my opinion.
Thanks for listening and I hope I gave all of you something to ponder and at least try. By the way it was my second attempt at stopping anti-histimines, the first time I didn't give it a chance as there was too much happening in my life to deal with dealing with itch- you must make yourself strong and tell your brain that you are not itchy and you don't need to take a pill. Grab an ice cube instead and rub it on the itch until it stops, I also eat freezies when the itch flares up to make my body cold. It helps believe it or not. Good Luck everyone God Bless you all

Hi, My 3 year old son was diagnosed today with this Horrid condition, he was stung by a wasp several times on his head arms and legs about 3 weeks ago since then he has started having severe athsma attacks at night and is constantly coverd in welts and I mean head to foot even his eyelids swell, he is a very active little boy, all his allergy specialist has given him is a salamol inhaler and told us if it gets to bad to give him piriton but this seems to make him worse, and i dont like the idea of giving him anti-histermins every day. Is there anyone out there with any hints or surgestions for me????? PLEASE

Hello
I wrote a message about "the curse" in 2005 and I still have it. I have tried to beat it by not taking anti-histamines but only failed as the itch is unbelievable. I've been reading alot of your messages and it seems to me that extreme stress starts it off from the very beginning. Something in the body is thrown off because of extreme stress that causes the body to produce excessive amounts of histamine. I saw a Chinese doctor and had to boil bugs and bark and you name it to drink after straining first of course and rub it on the itchy parts as well. Did not work other things were tried as well from the same doctor, all failures. She then wanted to try accupuncture, I didn't do it as the cost was becoming too much. I'm now in search of a anti-histamine which is holistic and some day when I can afford it I will seek out a homeopathic doctor. I heard they are very exspensive. I'm currently trying Vitamin C and eating lots of fruits and I'm going to try Stinging Nettle tea or capsules as these are suppose to be natural anti-histamines and I say suppose to be with a huge ? because what they say they are and what they actually do usually are 2 different things. Let's all keep in touch and maybe one day we'll find a cure since no one else in the medical field seems to care. By the way I started to itch when I became stressed to such a huge extent llike I had never been before. Let's keep up information and hopefully a cure. I will let you all know about vitaminc C and stinging nettle, I'm also going to try detoxing my system. Pray for me. If it works or doesn't I'll let you all know.

I just found out I had this skin condition and it just appeared within the last 6 months. Its really not been that big of a deal for me, and it's kind of cool being able to write on your skin. The problem is sometimes when I start scraching I seem to get more and more itchy. Good luck with dealing with your own cases.

Hi
Looks good! Very useful, good stuff. Good resources here. Thanks much!
Bye

It's hard to say how long I've had dermographism. I'm 26 now, and for at least the last 1 to 2 years it's been fairly pronounced. I can lightly stroke my skin to cause raised red marks that start within seconds, fully appear within a few minutes, and die down within an hour.
I've always been more susceptible to itchiness on my skin, minor disturbances cause me to reflexively scratch, even before this dermographism thing fully emerged.
When I was as young as 7 or 8 I sometimes woke up in the morning covered with mottled skin blotches, it was pretty concerning to my parents at the time but I never went to a doctor being that it cleared up fairly quickly and only rarely happened. (Like 3 times total that I can remember)
A few years ago over Christmas I again broke out in this skin blotchiness, and went to a doctor who gave me a shot of adrenaline, the puffy redness completely disappeared within a few minutes. I don't know if there is any connection, but gradually over the next few years my current dermographism appeared.
I don't find it to be that bothersome, it only itches slightly, and it's kind of a novel feature to be able to write messages and draw pictures on my chest.
Some people have associated it with stress, and I did have a couple pretty stressful years preceding its onset, (including depression), although I'm now generally quite happy and stress free, and not taking any meds.
I went to a GP who was fairly dismissive of my condition and have not really pursued it otherwise, except for looking on the internet which I'm doing now. Best of luck to all of us.

My condition appeared very, very suddenly in July of 1978, and I was going crazy with the relentless itching. The dermatologist tried many treatments, and finally, after about six months of suffering, he tried me on hydroxazine pamoate (known at the time as "Vistaril" in the United States).
It was like a miracle pill.
Although it does have a tranquilizing side-effect, once I stabilized on the medication, I found that I can take about three 25-mg capsules per week--at times slightly more, if needed--to keep the itching under control. Generally, I only take it before retiring, on evenings when I feel my skin starting to get sensitive and itchy again, or when I feel an outbreak coming on.
I have been using this medication successfully to control the condition since that time (so well over 25 years), with no ill-effects beyond the known side-effect of drowsiness, and, early on, it took a while for me to discover how little of the medication I could get by on. Since I began taking it, the medication became available in generic forms, the price of it came down considerably, and the only slight nuisance is that I keep having to get a doctor to prescribe it for me on an ongoing basis. Finally, my G.P. agreed it was silly for me to pay a dermatologist just to renew my prescription periodically, and he took over the task of issuing my prescription for me.
The one other caution I have is that there's hydroxazine PAMOATE and hydroxazine HYDROCHLORIDE: pharmacists were always insisting to me that they were the same, but I found that the hydroxazine PAMOATE was more effective in my case. My dermatologist said that the pharmacists were NOT correct, that there is a difference in the way the body absorbs the two chemicals, and that even though there shouldn't be a difference, he believed that I was not imagining things when I said that the hydroxazine HYDROCHLORIDE was not as helpful for me.
I don't know if others will find it so.
However, I tried MANY therapies before this one, and this one has worked wonderfully well keeping my symptoms, if not in total remission, at least at a point where I can cope with them, comfortably.
Indeed, if I were willing to take my medication MORE often, I would probably not feel any itching at all--and the only reason I still have some slight attacks of sensitivity is because I try to manage with as little medicine as possible, just from a general preference to use medication sparingly, if I can.
It saved my life, though, and since I don't see it mentioned on this board much, I thought I'd talk it up a bit. Perhaps it's only available easily in the United States, and isn't a common therapy in the United Kingdom.

I just was diagnosed with dermagraphism about 3months ago. I really don't know what might have brought it on but I think stress has alot to do with it. I am a nurse and had never even heard of this condition before. I broke out with hives all over my back and arms that would itch non stop. I finally wen to a dermatologist and he prescribed allagra and atarax. I take allagra 3 times a day and atarax 4 times a day and still have yet to get the itch under control. There are some days that it is just too much and all I can do is cry. Anybody have any suggestions for better treatments. I really don't want to have to keep taking pills for the rest of my life.

Hello Everyone,
I wrote in July of 2005 when I was first diagnosed. I am still battling this condition. Some days seem to be better than others. I still break out in hives from scratching, heat, and cold. Also, if I am severely stressed out I will get little bumps all over my forearms, hands, and ankles. I refuse to take any antihistamines to treat my condition. I had an allergic reaction to Zyrtec and so I can't take that antihistamine anyway. I check this forum every few months and was surprised to find another person who had an allergic response to Zyrtec. Like this person, my dermatologist/allergist refused to believe that it was possible to have an allergy to this antihistamine. I felt so alone.
I still go through periods of depression with this condition. I have to keep believing that this is only a "phase" and that I will outgrow it someday. However, it has been limiting in that I have a difficult time being in extreme heat or cold without getting red and itchy.
I tried avoiding wheat and dairy but couldn't keep it up long enough to notice much of a difference. I am a teacher and summer is coming up shortly. I will look into doing a body cleanse during that time for myself since I think it would be beneficial.
I have noticed that when I was on antibiotics for strep throat one year ago that my hives were worse for several months after that. I have been on antibiotics a lot since my teenage years and wonder constantly if that has anything to do with my condition now.
Meanwhile, I hope and pray for healing and the strength to cope with my condition.
Wishing you all the best!
Bryn

Hi all. I've had demographism for 24 years and have managed to live with it and with some quality of life. My first memory of having it was when I was 9 years old, and it progressively got worse in my teens, however I did not take any medication for it, but exercised madly and ate healthy. In my early 20's the itch was unbearable and I rippled my skin open, was rushed to the dr's who prescribed fabahistin tablets, and said if this didn't work then I was to be put on to steriods. Luckily, the medication worked however after a few years the medication was taken off the NZ market. I went to see an Allergist who after testing and diet elimination, stated that I was intolerant to wheat, glueten, sugar, yeast, alcohol, additives, and lactose. I was put on a strict diet and was expected to live like that for the rest of my life - this I found painful at the time because I love my food and found I had to eat very bland,often tasteless, hard to prepare meals, and I felt like I was a refugee!! Despite this diet my itch finally did stop after approx. 2 years however I felt the high maintenance lifestyle and diet was too hard for me, and could not resist going back to my normal eating patterns. I began eating normally and taking an over the counter medication, Zyrtec I think for a while. After a few years the itch increased to a point where I went back to a dermotologist who trialled me on alot of medications, but none suited me because they were either too drowsy for me, made me sick, or failed to take the itch feeling away. I am now with another dermotologist who has put me on Periactin however, I have had adverse reactions in the past month, so I am back on Allergens.
After this long and exhausting journey, I am considering going back on my elimination and food intolerance diet because I feel that somehow this is the only way that I can live itch free & in peace within my skin. Don't know the cause of it, but realise that the condition currently causes social and emotional distress at times. There appears to be a number of theories as to the cause and what happens to the body, however I am as mystified as the rest of them. One treatment I would like to try is homeopathy. In the meantime I send my thoughts to all you other itchy people in the universe, and hope that one day we will all live in peace within our own skins.

My 7 year old son ruptured his ear drum and was to take Augmentin for 10 days. On the 8th day he had all the symptoms and was diagnosed with dermographism. It's horrible that one day your fine and the next day you look like you've been through a war zone. Because he is little he just doesn't understand why he is so itchy. All his friends keep asking him why he has so many welts, red marks, etc...Doctor said it should go away in 6 weeks but from reading the message board it doesn't look likely.

Thank goodness for boards like this - helpful when you feel like the only one in the world who has skin issues. I've lived with sensitive skin all my life...it will turn red if someone looks at it sideways. In recent years heat/sweating has become the problem - I don't sweat easily and when I get warm my skin gets blotchy and I break out in hives. An internet search revealed that antihistamines can be helpful in such situations, and that proved to be true. Recently after a visit to a specialist I was diagnosed with dermographism. The doc said that it should go away as quickly as it appeared, but I see from reading the cases on here that this isn't always true. I go to a chiropractor who practices asian techniques and he is concerned about my regular consumption of antihistimes: he is worried that 1) the effectiveness will subside after taking it too much; 2) it won't allow the body to combat the situation on it's own; and 3) the antihistimes will cause side effects that are much worse than the itchy skin (e.g., ultimate death). Great. My family doc and the specialist I went to say that there are no concerns with taking antihistimes but then they practice western medicine that relies on medication. One possible solution that I want to explore: liver detoxification. Apparently alot of skin problems stem from liver issues. It's worth a shot I guess.

Hi there, I thought I'd put my bit in I have had this condition over 20 yrs, yes as one person said it is the body producing to much histimane hence you have to live on anti-histimanes. I have tried all sorts and have to change when body gets use to the one currently being taken. Stress does seem to play a part and I have episodes where it really goes to town and then you have to be put on Prednisone etc to calm it down. I was in Aussy a few years back and met a naturepath who had been researching dermagraphism and said that there was a connection to the brain causing the condition. He made some natural drops and they worked, but I have misplaced his name so I must find out again. You do get sick of the itch pill taking, but it seems all we can do unless someone comes up with better alternative to why we are itching away our lives.

I have found an intresting website which you might like to take a look at:
www.myspace.com/dermographicskin
It could help - give it a go!

Hi All,
I am from India and i have got the symptoms of dermographism for the past one year. TO CUT A LONG STORY SHORT, while i have not yet cured myself, I would like to share with you how Ayurveda approaches this symptom. When I first went to an ayurvedic doctor in India, they did NOT ask me any questions ..instead they just checked my pulse for a few minutes and told me i have a skin problem due to excess heat in the body. The body is trying to throw out the excess heat in the body in the form of toxins which expresses itslef in the form of rashes/itches. While the doctor said that such symptoms should be OK in about two months max, i have not yet been able to get a cure. However, it makes sense to avoid heat causing foods - anything FERMENTED should be avoided for starters, also processed flour like cookies etc...SHOULD TAKE clarified butter which removes the heat in the body. To expand on this more if there is interest.

I am so excited to find that I am not the only one with this condition. Well not exactly excited but I know that I am not weird and I am not alone. It started when I was like 13 or 14. I told my doctor and he prescribed Claratin but that didn't do anything and then he prescribed Zyrtec and I have been on this antihistamine for about 7 years now. I really do not like the fact that I am addicted to Zyrtec(my friends call it my itch medicine). I take one tablet every day before bed. If by chance I go away and leave my medicine at home I have to either take Benadryl which helps stop the itching for a while or itch profusely which means I have to lay in bed with loose clothing, nothing that irritates my skin. I can go out but I would itch every few minutes. Before my medicine I would take a shower and then have to wrap myself in a towel and lay on the bed until my skin calmed down I would want to itch everywhere but that would just make me whelpy. I do not want to be medicated for ever. It is really expensive 30 pills at 25 dollars a month and that's alot for a coleege student. I do not have any other allergies, I have been tested for everything I am a healthy adult woman.When I visited the doctor he told me I was dermographic after he drew a tic tac toe board on my skin with a tongue depressor. I had raised whelps in minutes. I asked him what does that mean and he just said you can write on your skin. I was waiting for a crazy answer but that was all. I still get hives if I scratch my face, wear irritating clothing or bump my leg. it bothers me but I'm living and I will take the treatment advice given here to ask my doctor if they are right for me. Thank you

hello everyone...as with a lot of you i've had this for years - about 4 roughly. i've seen specialists (who are only useful for diagnosis - and relieving you of some well earned cash!) and had blood and other tests (all fine). I can pinpoint the start of my symptoms exactly and have no doubt that (in my case) it was caused by stress and an allergen (the allergen being a cheap brand of matt/emulsion paint). Ive tried cutting out certain foods but to no avail. Drinking beer/ale aggrevates it further but cutting it makes no difference - and life dull! I take 10mg Citirizine per day. My question is if all the specialists say this thing clears up (assuming they are not telling porkies!) it means that there must be people who have had this and got rid of it - therefor, if there is a trigger that sets it off (stress/allergens) then there could be a trigger that stops it so we should speak to these people. learning how and why people got over it is the key. Since there isn't a cure why not try to find one. Any suggestions?? - Alex.

I have had this condition for about 4 months now. It started about 2 wks after giving birth to my daughter. I had high blood pressure during this pregnancy and they prescribed procardia to me to treat this. I tried to blame the itching and hives on the procardia but i have quit taking it now for 1 wk and the itching and hives have not got any better! My dr. prescribed zyrtec but im hesitant to take the drugs but the itching is about to get the best of me. I was going to give myself 2 wks off the procardia to see if it would go away before starting the zyrtec. I wish there was some cure or a least an explanation about what is going on with us. It can really drive you crazy at time. My ears also burn like so many of you talked about. We really need to find a way to have more research done on this troubling condition!

I found that UV therapy has worked for me. I occassionally take Zyrtec or Allegra as needed but symptooms are reduced dramatically with UV therapy.

had this nightmare 5 1/2 years. Im on Claratyne but find I need it twice a day instead of the recomended once. Mum said she read that it can be related to a candidal infection so im taking innerhealth plus capsules starting tonight.I had one doctor call it "a neat party trick" idiot.. There is nothing tricky it seems except for a cure.Mine started at the end of my first pregnancy with twins. My relatives thought I had fleas, Bugs, you name it so for me it's a battle of shame and ignorance, I was even told" its probably mild ecsma you just dont scratch enough to get weeping" I just try to hide it now but with summer coming how does one hide not shaving? any suggestions

Dear Samantha i also have dermographism approx. last 8 or 9 months ago. and i am really tired out of this evil things it effects all parts of the body i consulted lots of doctors but not result afterall they all give me a solution of temperory iching. but the problem is reduced by starting yoga and do not take a food like , green chillis,sugar,tommatos, high protien food and now i am started a herbel treatment for and i think it's works little bit please if you want to know more about yoga and herbel treatement write the mail to me
take care
meaculpa

Hi Guys
Basically I was diagnosed with severe dermographism 4 years ago and put on 3 Atarax tablets every night which I have taken ever since as life became unbearable to live without them. Atarax works brilliantly but it only treats the symptoms and not the root of the problem (what the root of this problem is I don’t know). However recently I read on a web site that aluminium can make dermographism worse or possibly be the cause of the problem. When I checked all my cosmetics at home it is practically in everything especially DEODORANTS!!! I now use a aluminium free deodorant, am careful not to use aluminium foil to wrap my sandwiches up and try to avoid it at all costs. After a few months this made a big difference for me. I am currently taking ½ an Atarax tablet every 2 nights now. I am unable to come off the tablets totally at the moment but am sure that I will find a cure. This cure I am almost certain will be something natural and will probably take a long time to work. I am off to see a homeopath next week and will let everyone know the outcome.
God bless Michele x

I'm typing this at 4:45a.m. and have been up scratching for 1.5 hours, which has been extremely common over the last couple weeks. I just found out I am pregnant with my second child (only about two weeks along). If I recall correctly, I believe my dermographism started in 2004 when I got pregnant with my first child and got really bad right after I had her and began breastfeeding. I think it subsided a little, but has come back and I am wondering if my case is related to the fact that I am pregnant. I PRAY this goes away after I give birth/breastfeed this next child. I was just officially diagnosed this week and my allergist prescribed loratadine. Normally, I don't mind taking drugs to relieve medical symptoms and problems, however, when I am pregnant or breastfeeding, I try to avoid ALL drugs to protect the fetus/baby. This is tough, though, as I have been losing SO MUCH sleep every night. I did not start taking the loratadine (claritin), but am tempted. I do scratch throughout the day, but it is REALLY intense in the middle of the night. My husband feels so bad for me and I am praying my daughter and future child does not get it. I've never liked lotions or creams and am hesitant to try many things, however, I am very curious to know if this is related to my overall health and primarily - diet. I've noticed a move toward natural/organic foods in general, but have avoided these since they are so expensive and we live on one income. Maybe I'll have to check it out more, though. I'm also not the best cook or food shopper, so it intimidates me. I wonder if my problem is also triggered by dairy and other foods. I should start keeping a journal (ugh - one more things to do during my day). Anyhow, I am so sorry for all of you that suffer from this and pray that your spirits stay up. I KNOW life could be worse, as there are so many life-threatening diseases out there, but this is hard too. I've been thinking - hmmm...maybe I should start doing my chores and things in the middle of the night when I can't sleep and taking naps during the day, when my baby naps. Not my first choice, but if this continues, I may have to form a lifestyle where I "live" during the middle of the night when I wake up from itching. Bummer! I am still asking God for a miracle and will pray for all of you too. Prayer works. I'm going to go check out that Motherisk website re: safe drugs during pregnancy that someone mentioned below. Take care.

I have had dermographism for about ten years on and off, and have found Zyrtec the only (over the counter chemist) drug that works effectively to combat the itching. I am interested that some people also have asthma, as I do. Could these all be related? I am going to try eating less dairy and wheat and see if this could be part of my problem. Hope this helps - does anyway have any feedback about whether dermographism is associated to food allergy or a yeast allergy?

hey guys, ive had dermographism for 8 years now, started when i was 11. it was never really that bad until i was about 15 when it started occuring everyday. since then ive been takin cetrizine 10mg everyday it helps stop the itchiness and stops the rash from bulging out ( its just red rather then protruding, very difficult to explain but im sure u guys know what i mean)
anyway after doing some testing of my own, i find scrubbing ur body helps aswell as avoiding deodrants with aluminium in. i also agree that this probably has alot to with diet, and will be seeing a chinese practioner tomorrow. im livingiin london and am interested in the UV hospital aswell so any information recieved on that would be very useful. i also find that it occurs more often when sweating, i.e. when i take my tshirt off after sweating i get a red mark across my forehead.
i hope a cure is found soon
good luck 2 all

hi fellow sufferers,
I have had dermographism for 8 years. I have read that there is a connection with thyroid disease. I have hypothyroidism an I am wondering if anyone else has found this connection to be a factor. I also wanted to let the women who want to concieve that during my three pregnancies I was taking diclectin which is a drug prescribed for morning sickness and is also an antihistamine. I found that this controlled my symptoms very well and is safe for use during pregnancy. I am still looking for that magic bullet but as of yet have not found it.I too have tried all the ove the counter antihistamines and find they give a small amount of relief but only work for short periods and then I need to switch to something else.Good luck to all of you in finding relief. We need to continue helping and supporting each other.

Hello Everyone,
The postings on this site seem very similar to the problem I experienced during the past year. I am now making every effort to share my story with the hope that I can help others. Here it goes:
I lost the ability to sweat during the summer of 2005.  It all started after I had a sinus infection. I was given a Z-Pack and Zyrtec-D, which got rid of the sinus infection. However, my feet began to itch shortly thereafter. I visited several doctors,  all of whom prescribed different antihistamines (Allegra, Hydroxizine, and Zyrtec) to treat the itching.
After a while, the itching spread, and I eventually stopped sweating. Instead of sweating, my entire body was covered with a painful “prickly” sensation, as if my skin were being pierced with thousands of pins.  The pain was most intense whenever I tried to exercise, and I frequently broke out in hives. 
Giving up all hope, I stopped taking all antihistamines in October of 2005, but the pain continued for several months thereafter.  At one point, I was investigating the use of steroids to improve my condition.  After considering my options, I decided to wait it out.  I am very pleased to report the wait has paid off.  With every passing month, my body has slowly been healing itself.  I can now exercise and sweat profusely with only the slightest “prickly” sensation, which quickly disappears after my workout begins.  I am confident that this, too, will disappear in time.  I am even more confident that an allergic reaction to Zyrtec was the cause of my problem.  I am now taking steps to share this information with the FDA.
I have done some research and discovered that in October 2005, a medical journal published an article called "Adverse Cutaneous Reactions of Systemic Antihistamines" (Current Medicinal Chemistry - Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents, Volume 4, Number 5, October 2005, pp. 521-529(9).  I would love to read this article. It seems the medical community is just beginning to realize that their prized antihistamines may be causing much of the trouble they are supposed to be curing.
During the course of my affliction I consulted with three allergists, and they all refused to consider that I was having an allergic reaction to a drug they so frequently prescribe (even when I suggested the possibility). I only wish one of them had advised me to stop taking everything, rather than prescribing the alternative antihistamines which worsened my condition. It is my hope that my experience will assist those who have similar symptoms.
I wish everyone a healthy recovery!
-- B

I'm quite shocked at the number of people who's lives have been made a misery over this, mine doesn't effect my everyday life at all.
I was diagnosed with dermographism almost 2 years ago, after months of itching and coming up in hives.
They had mentioned it could have appeared through stress - was going through a really stressful break up at the time.
I was prescribed 1 loratadine a day, and have had no problems since i started taking them. yes, I still get hives when scratched or rubbed, but they are nowhere near as angry as when i am not taking medication. As long as i keep it up, i do not have any problems with excess itching.
It does concern me the amount of time some of you say you have been suffering - my doctor assured me that it would probably only last for 6 months to a year, then probably go away by itself. Not really happy about having to pop pills every day, but it keeps the itching away, so I suppose i have to

my grand daughter has just been diagnosed with dermagraphism. she is 13 months old. she is often covered in hives and scratches her scalp a lot - thought she had headlice!! she doesn't appear too bad at present. she developed these shortly after taking 3 courses of antibiotic for thrush and her parents split up just before with daddy going away. he's back now and that's ok but the disease is still there. any connection with antibiotics. if so, dare doctors aware of this?
Sheila

I've had dermographism for nearly 4 years, and have researched it extensively. I know you all get lots advice about avoiding certain foods and substances but I think that's guess work, from what I've read, and I don't think cessation of this symptom will be found by avoiding certain foods. I think it's far more inclined to be an autoimmune response not related to food allergies, your body attacking itself for reasons not yet known. Who knows why some people develop Lupus? As with many auto-immune responses, I believe they are more likely if you've already exhibited symptoms of other auto-immune disorders (and I am a type 2 diabetic); I also am recently suffering from recurring epi-scleritis bouts (first one eye, then the other, then back to the first--three episodes in two months), which my eye specialist also suspects are, in my case, the result of an auto-immune response. All these things tied together seem to point to some sort of connective tissue disorder, but diagnosing any of those is difficult. I'm guessing eventually I'll get so frustrated with it that I'll head to the Mayo Clinic in search of more difinitive answers than I've gotten from local doctors. The dermatologist who diagnosed my dermographism told me it would last 1-3 years! Hah! If only! He put me on Zyrtec right away and I had relief from the terrible itching within 12 hours, like a miracle. He prescribed twice the maximum recommended dosage (two a day) but most days I can get by using just one. God help me if the day comes that Zyrtec no longer holds it back. Without some relief I would most assuredly have committed suicide. Funny so many of you mention heat . . . I've read a lot of material that indicates that extreme cold can exacerbate the condition. I am convinced that dermographism is a symptom of some definite disorder that has not yet been nailed down. I suspect that as scientists learn more, it will lead to even more questions, but mostly I hope it leads to some answers because this is a vexing ailment and those who suffer from it are more deserving of a cure or more than temporary relief from the itching. Hope this helps.

Hi again - I am in london and as mentioned before finding the amitryptilene quite good. the occasional zirtek as well if it wears off. interested to know more about the uv's mentioned in previous mail?

I had dermographism in 1982 and it was successfully treated then with UVs at the skin hospital in London withiin 3 months. I haven't had any symptons since.

Hello-it's me again. I didn't mention that this wretched dermographism started suddenly after i had my Mirena iucd changed. As I had previously had a Mirena for 5 years with no trouble,all the doctors I have seen think it couldn't possibly be the cause. Has anyone else had this experience please? By the way-hot itchy ears have plagued meon and off for as long as I can remember, and I've only had dermographism for less than a year.

I've had severe itching on my arms and upper back for about 6 years. I just found out it was dermographism 8 months ago. Atarax and Ranitidine helped beautifully for 6 months. Now symptoms have returned. I am under a lot more stress now, Atarax dosage has been increased and I am waiting for some relief to occur. The only thing I find that works fast are applying ice packs to the itchy areas. I have to carry ice packs with me if I am going to be outside in the hot sun or hot humid shaddy area. Cold is best for me. Temperture changes affect me a lot. Just going from the hot outside to the cool inside will trigger an itch attack.

Hello again! Thanks for your messages. I'll write back when I've seen the Dermatologist in August. Is anyone else out there writing from the UK?

I had dermagraphsim for about 12 years. I have been on several different antihystimes but the best one is Hydroxazine...its the generic to Attarax. I've been on this for about 4 years now, 1 a day at night (20mg). I still mark up but it is not the raised rash and it doesn't itch. I also shower in not too hot water and mix shower gel with baby oil on one of those poof's and I've found that really helps with the dry skin. Nothing has gotten rid of this, but it is bearable. Hydroxazine 20 mg does last about 24 hours. Some days I have to take more than one, but they don't make me sleepy, I guess my body is use to them by now. There is a shot called Anti IGE that my allergy Dr told me about but it is only approved for severe asthma, not for Dermagraphism yet, but he said that would probably work for me. One shot a month, that's all, but insurance does not cover it yet and its $12,000 a year.......I can't afford that so for now, Hydroxazine for me!

Thanks for your reply. However-being sleepy in the daytime isn't really an option for me . Are you able to work and drive etc.?

I've had skin complaints for the past five years and each year when things got particularly stressful it would appear. Both doctors and nurse prescribed me with relatively weak antihistimines, calomine lotion and nothing helped...
Six months ago I was diagnosed with dermographism from a reknown dermatologist in the US. I was prescribed a stronger antihistimine and since then I haven't had any complaints. I was prescribed Hydroxyzine - you take 1 tablet comprising of 10mg in the morning and 2 tablets before you go to bed. Admittedly you do get very drowsy, but no more itching sessions have occured since. Ask your doctor about hydroxyzine. As far as I am aware, there are very side-effects...except for drowsiness of course. Remember dermographism is generally diagnosed with a using a tongue blade being grated across the skin. Hope this helps...

I have had dermographism for 7 months. I've tried many different antihistamines, and I am currently taking Fexofenadine.I have recently also started taking Cimetidine This seems to be the best combination so far, although I still get symptoms where my clothes touch or if I scratch when I'm itching a lot- however the swelling is less in spite of the persistent red marks. I am still waiting to see a dermatologist.............

I've had dermographism for about two weeks, well, i think i have it. I haven't been diagnosed by my doctor with it, but i've been doing research of my own, and this fits my symptoms.
I have to say, despite it being rather 'minor' compared to life-threatening diseases, it still is fairly scary...after reading some replies...7 years? 22 years? That's really scary to think about. I mean, like i said, it's only been two weeks and it drives me crazy...but years? I never imagined that.
I'm stuck in the same boat as many of the people here--doctors suggest antihistamines, and that's about it. I guess it really has no cure, and must pass with time, which doesn't sound too great. On another note, I have asthma as well, and it does change allergic reactions. Instead of getting hives from allergies, i just wheeze unbearably.
One thing I have heard that helps, is the chemical used in Benadryl (i don't remember the name, but it says it on the bottom corner of the box) and that you can go to your drug store and buy quite a few tablets really cheap. It helps if anti-allergy medicines like Benadryl are too 'weak' for your symptoms.
Another thing I noticed--thinking about dermographism is not recommended, you start itching and scratching for psychological reasons, as i am right now. It's not good to read about itching and scratching.

Hi. I have had Dermographism for 3 years now and it's just as bad as when it first started. I take one Fexofenadine tablet every day but it doesn't last beyond the afternoon. I did take two a day for a bit but I kept feeling sick so had to stop. I have tried eating whole foods without additives (veg, meat, etc), giving up everything 2 sepatare dermatologists have suggested, gave up dairy and wheat for a month, stopped drinking for a bit, tried moisturisor and different skin creams, been to two Chinese medical places....I feel I have tried everything and nothing helps. If anyone does ever work it out, please let me know.

i was diagnosed with this a few years ago...triggered by what most of your have said, and anitbitoic. my allergist has me on allegra 180, which was working well for about a year with me taking it once a day and making sure i kept my skin hydrated. over this last winter, i had to up to dosage to 2x a day becasue they hives were unbearable about 12-14 hours before my next regular dosage was due. since the weather has gotten nicer (and the heat had been turned off) its been better- i'm back to once a day. i'm hoping that this summer i can ween myself back to one pill every 2-3 days (which is what i did last summer).

I believe this dermographism is what my 15 yr old son may now have. He has asthma and was on prednisone for a cold he had this past March. Now, anytime he is scratched, or has any trauma to his body he gets red and welts up for a while. He is very athletic. I do have an appt with his dr coming up. The last message is from April, are there any new developments with this dermographism? I have written down all the different remedies everyone has listed that they have tried. Can't hurt to try the different home remedies. You never know, it may work well for my son. I greatly appreciate all the messages. Thank you!

After a long and successful course of combined Allegra 180 and hydroxyzine, my husband and I are planning a 2nd child. My allergist switched me from both the Allegra and hydroxyzine to just Zyrtec alone. Hydroxyzine is a category C drug, and Zyrtec is cat. B, so safer for pregnancy in case I do conceive. I was a bit worried about going from my usual meds to just this little Zyrtec, but I'm having GREAT luck with it! I tested it by not taking it for 2 days, and wouldn't you know it, a hive sprouted on my arm. Went back on, and hive-free again. I'm thrilled with the Zyrtec so far.

well, at least i've got a name for it now! I've been to doctors and specialists a like and gave up after been told it was a 'mystery'!! I've been taking Zirtek every day for last 3 years. Seems to have coincided with moving to London, had thought I might be allergic to the city! Previously i have had suffered from spots and been given a few courses for that which I had wondered if this may be a side effect... i get regular itching and skin marks very easily, not life threatening but not particularly pleasant. interesting to hear i'm not the only one, but does anyone have any suggestions as to how to overcome it?

I've had this condition for about 10 years. I developed it right after I had a small ringworm infection on my forearm and I'm not sure if that's the cause but i strongly suspect it is. I've tried Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec. Zyrtec is by far the best. Not perfect, but boy do I suffer when I forget to take it a couple days in a row. I still get some red marks but there's very little itching as opposed to the hell I experience when I'm not on Zyrtec.

I have had dermographism for about 7 years and am 33. Zirtec is quite effective for me but am now on Amitriptyline as I asked my GP if anything else was worth trying. It seems to last a few hours less than Zirtek but it also happens to be a very mild anti depressant which I figure is not a bad deal considering! I also find it embarassing when people comment that Ive scratched myself and its particularly boring if I go for a leg wax (end up looking like I'm wearing red tights!) or even a manicure.. I have to wear long sleeves all the time too. Its an odd condition to have and I personally dont know anyone else that has it so its nice to read these thoughts. Best Wishes to all itchy scratchies!

Alas, my dermalotogist said there was no cure, but medication can help manage the sypmtoms. I was just diagnosed last month and have 4+ dermagraphism. I have been taking Zyrtec twice a day and hydroxyzine at night. This seems to help the itchy feeling but the welts still come from contact. It is a vexing problem but at least it can be controled. Try to keep your spirits up, while it might not go away, it can be controlled.

Weird stuff. I think I have this condition too and it is very interesting all the other things that seem to come with it. I also was recently diagnosed with asthma and had a bad bronchial infection which I needed to take antibiotics. Now I seem to have this dermographism. Something will scratch me, I will itch, and small welt type things appear and go away in 10 or so minutes. I like the persons post about the Naturopath. I know the doctors say there is no cure and this and that, but there has to be something internal causing this problem. I also have Psoriasis which supposedly has no cure as well. I will write back after seeing a Naturopath.

I was diagnosed with Dermographism complicated with aorborne allergies anything outside ...i am allergic to it....the grass...trees...horses...cats...dogs...weeds...
ragweed...pollen...dust....mold...household insects beats me what those are....lol....
but anywayz i am like a prisoner in my own house.....i go to my twins soccer game and i have to sit in our van....i do believe my dermographism and allergies waere induced by stress emotional upset.....i always had very mild allergy to dust and mold but nothing like now....mym eye lids and face swell.....and when i lay down at night to sleep....the pressure of my face hitting the pillow ii swell and strange thing is i will look in the bathroom mirror as soon as a awake see the awful swelling on my face nose,eyes cheeks and mouth and lips...and then come to bathroom look again and that fast the swelling has went down some....i am amazed at how fast this swells up ...and down...my eyes do go down and face from the swelling but the swelling is always there and puts pressure on my eyes...i am on allegra,singular,guaifenex,and hydroxyz...and i still swell.....has never gone away.....i do realize things could be worse than this.....i have seen pics of worse than i.....but like i said i do beleave it is from emotional upset and stress...because i can get upset about something and start swelling...dr. did put me on wellbutrin also....i am just so tired of being tired that histamine pumps out and i am congested all thee time....and tired..i even have all the allergy bedding and a iq air filter and even one on our house furnace and air...io have even detoxed by body and colon ......guess i just wanted to vent thanks for listeneing

Hi, I have had it for about 6 years already. I have asthma. Do any of you have asthma. The Dr. say Because asthma is an alergic reaction in the lungs & it that comes & go like darmographism. If you have asthma it changes all other alergic reactions that you might have instead of getting hives or something, you will get something else. I never found anything to make it go away. The Dr. said it just takes time but 6 years has been a long time. I know the exact day I got it. I was a lifeguard and we started to use new chemicals for the pool, & I got it ever since the chemicals spilled on my hands. It means you must be allergic to something you never came in contact with before. It is nice to know that other people have it too.

My experience with this lovely problem started in January after 10 days of taking the antibiotic Levaquin. The doctor had me taking baths every 6 hours and taking prenisone. After two weeks of that I went back and was diagnosed with dermographism. I have been taking claritin during the day and hydroxyzine at night. Got some relief but still have outbreaks (usually at 1 in the morning). At work anything that touches my skin causes red itchy welts. I have tried aloe and get some relief but only for a short duration. I have been reading the posts here and it does help to know I am not alone with this. I have my first visit with a dermatologist tomorrow and will bring up the medications that you have all mentioned on this site. Thank you all for sharing. Just think, I can save money on makeup, just rub my cheeks and I have instant rouge.

I've always had dermographism. The doctors told my mum when I was born. I never realised it was a thing that happened to people, I thought it was a condition people always had. It's not that annoying to me, I guess I'm used to it! I get red areas from itching, not usually welts if I don't itch too much. I think it's getting better as I get older (20 now).
I hope you find something to ease your itching and the symptoms. I'm used to being so itchy so it's not too bad!

I have had this problem also for about 7 years i personally think it was an emotional and traumatic period in my life at this point that has triggerd this off, although i have had some skin problems all my life. My GP diagnosed this when i was seeing him for something else he noticed the welts on my neck, due to the possible anxiety from the waiting room, he scored my forearm and before i left the room it was welted this lasted for sometime after wards, i was happy to have a diagnosis but the 1 mth supply of antihistamines did nothing. I feel more embarassed about the whole situation at work people keep comenting that you have marks on your face, arm etc, just from touch it does become tiresome i will keep looking for remidies from this mail list thank you

Hello everyone,
I wanted to update you on my progress. (see my original post of April 7, 2006). I have been following my Naturopath's instructions and avoiding yeast, sugar, alcohol and vinegar. I have also been taking citrogen to get rid of the over-abundance of yeast in my body. I was also taking good bacteria and another supplement to help me detoxify. I am feeling much better now. I still have the occasional bout of itchiness but it is not unbearable like before. It goes away quickly and may get a little bit red. I don't get hives at all. I have to say this was one of the worst things I have endured. It started last August and it was becoming worse and worse. It was interfering with my sleep and my social life. I had trouble sometimes if I was cooking and all of a sudden I had this instense itchiness and pain. It could actually be hazardous.
I am very grateful that I was able to get to a Naturopath and get this problem sorted out. (Note that I did go to my doctor intially and he sent me to an allergist - who was helpful in deciding that it was something from within me that was causing my allergic reaction).
I have been able to add some things back into my diet successfully without the hives coming back.
However I will continue to eat healthy and take better care of myself. I hope that those of you who are looking for a permanent cure will find my story helpful. I feel bad for anyone who has to go through this. The worse part was not knowing if it would ever go away. Take care.

After 22 years of itching on and off, I finally seem to have a diagnosis. I recently went to an Allergy and Asthma Specialist and after a brief conversation, he diagnosed dermographism. Although I've taken claritin for years he suggested I try Zyrtec. Just started this. I also have gastrointenstial reflux disease. He said sometimes the two are related. Do any of you also have gastro reflux symptoms/problems? Not fun is it?

hey, just wanted to add on that I have just been diagnosed with this and it just started 8 months ago out ofabsolutely nowhere! the itch is so intense and so bad it makes me cry sometimes and the hives and just miserable. anyway i take atarax and just started clarinex.. i really hope it helps. If anyone is wondering i think it is largely related to stress and emotional problems. Hope this really goes away soon

Hello everyone,
I'll tell you what happened to me and I hope it will help you find a cure. I've had this condition since Aug. 05. Previously I had been on antibiotics for a respiratory infection. I too went to my doctor. He sent me to an allergist. She did the tests. I was supposedly allergic to everything but I only reacted by having this hives that would disappear after 10 minutes or so. My next visit she concluded that I couldn't possibly be allergic to all these things. I was just the presure on my skin. She told me this condition was called Dermographism. She couldn't tell me what caused it. She told me not to try to figure it out or I'd go crazy. Just keep taking antihistamines. I can't stand taking them. They make me too sleepy. So after a few months of this I went to a Naturopath. She has put me on a cleansing (it's only temporary) diet. Which I admit has been a challenge. No suger (even natural sources such as fruit or honey etc), no wheat, no yeast, no alcohol, nothing that has been fermented (this includes black tea), and no vinegar or pickles or tabasco or soy sauce (all my favourites). The problem is yeast. An imbalance in my system. The antibiotics got rid of the infection I had but they also killed off good helpful bacteria. Good bacteria helps to digest food and keep the yeast in check. All the things that I can't have right now feed the yeast. Sugar, yeast, alcohol or anything fermented. The naturopath explained that the yeasts giving off toxins and these toxins are coming through and causing a reaction (hives) with my skin. This makes sense to me because the only time I felt instant relief was when I took a bath.
It sounds like a lot of you had also been on antibiotics prior to this condition. And antibiotics have been getting stronger and stronger over the years. They rid the body of infections but any helpful bacteria doesn't stand a chance.
I know how awful this is and I've only had it since Aug.05. This is why I have had no trouble following this diet to the letter. I want to get rid of this condition and I'll do whatever it takes. My naturopath says that once my system is rebalanced I can gradually add things back into my diet. I am actually feeling much better already and I will definitely be eating much better from now. My digestion is better, I have more energy and I've lost weight. Personally I believe that these hives - the dermographism - was my body's way of alerting me to the real underlying problem which was my poor diet and digestion. (my doctor also diagnosed me as having irritable bowel syndrome). Have you ever heard the expression "Death begins in the bowel?"
I hope my experience is helpful to someone. Take care.

myself and my 14 year old daughter both have this. i also have psoriasis, hypothryroidism. my daughter has eczama and asthma. my daughter seems to be allergic to water. life is a nightmare. i sweat profusly on my head and face which starts off the prickling heat rash. this is after the smallest exertion. does anyone out there suffer with similar?

I have had it for 13 years. Will soon be 39.
Mine started as a cholenergic type outbreak.
After being a multi athlete in the community, including tennis, basketball,
softball, golfer, bodybuilder/weightlifter, mile runner.
At 25 during the middle of my prime, I was into bodybuilding, basketball, and running, I had just finished a night of hoops. While on the way home
I felt really weird, I actually stopped sweating, (I was and still am a heavy sweater) my lips began to tingle and my ears began to get pressure feelings, and by the time I got home looked in the mirror and
I had all of these welts on my torso, arms, and back.
Didn't know what was going on. I went to the ER and they gave me benadryl, and adrenaline injection. They just said I had hives.
But I never noticed any real dermagraphism symptoms yet. I thought it was a minor one time thing, right! wrong!
I would go run and I would actually start having allergy symptoms, runny
nose, ears popping, sneezing, and asthma symptoms. Crazy. And the
only thing I was ever allergic to was poison ivy.
I did notice while on the soffa one night, there was a welt line on the elbow that I was leaning on, that was the first time I thought something else was wrong. After that I noticed when I would lift weights at the gym that where my arms would rub my side they would have red marks and welts too.
I had to give all activity that required exhaustion, the heavy breathing type activity, anything to do with running, so I had to give up alot.
I sunk into a depression.
I tried an allergist after that and he tried the needle tests, I believe it is called the rast test, not for sure. He wasn't too good, every shot was puffed out and he said, "You are allergic to 'bout everthing" very encouraging!
Dumped him and went to another and he said that I had dermagraphism and most never know what the cause is and no cure, the same 'ole "It can go away" You can just treat the symptoms.
So I also tried different antihastimines and found Zyrtec to work the best.
But, as of the last month or two I have been "Extra Sensitive"
Have to do process of ellimination to try and locate what I have been eating, taking(herbs, vitamins, etc.) or stressing over. The latter maybe alot of it, since, the last couple of months my job has been a real stress,
hours being cut, being forced to switch to a different job in the co. to keep a job, and changing to a different shift, 2nd. Stress definately does not help the symptoms.
Anyway there is my life changing story. All said and done, it is a matter of coping with life. But I have a lot of negative outlook on life because of this Damn dermagraphism. I can go on and on. Mostly when I am at my best of coping. I can live a fairly average lifestyle. I replaced my athletics with golf and fishing, and motorcycling. Its all about trying to be positive but I am not an optimist, I will admit. I am nervous, have low self esteem, as a result of the dermaghraphism.
Oh yeah, I get tired of looking at the expressions of people's faces when I tell them what I have. They look at me, this healthy, muscular guy and think nothing is wrong with you, yeah, if you could live in our skin for one day you would go crazy. I believe that it could be hereditary, my mom seems to have a touch of it too.
Anyway I hope and pray that they find a cure or a medicine that will totally eliminate the symptoms. Thats all I want to say now.
Peace of mind and relief to all of us.

I was diagnosed in 1999. Before my doctor knew what it was, he put me on some medication that relieved the symptoms, but for 12 hrs only. After my dermatologist diagnosed me, he put me on 10mg Reactine, 1 tablet per day for about 2 months. It repressed the symptoms totally whyle I was on it, but they still come back from time to time depending on my physical stress level. It's been 6-7 years that I've dealt with this issue, but now I can go with 1 10mg reactine pill for about 2-3 weeks. I can also tell you that my father had the same issue when he was younger, so it might be hereditary.

Hi Samantha,
I have recently been diagnosed with dermagraphism as well, and it is making me miserable! My derm prescribed me Doxepin, which I take at night, and Zyrtec for during the day. I have been on these meds for 4 days, but am not noticing any improvement yet. She told me to call her after 2 weeks to let her know how I am doing, so maybe it just takes a while for the medicine to be effective. I see from reading the posts here that it has been helpful for some. She didn't give me a lot of info on the condition, she just scraped my arms and back with a stick and gave me my prescriptions. I've been trying to get info from the Internet, but it doesn't look too hopeful as far as a cure is concerned. I have read that it can last from anywhere between weeks and years. I have found what helps me are brief, cool oatmeal baths - one in the a.m. and one in the p.m. The relief is only temporary, but it does help some. During the day I use anti-itch lotions, but they, too, only work for a little while. I noticed a few people on this board recommended aloe vera gel, which sounds very soothing, so I am going to try that next. I'm hoping the Zyrtec and Doxepin will start working soon. Trying not to scratch my skin off takes up all my mental energy and is exhausting. I wonder if it is normal for the itching to be so intense, but from what I've read a lot of other people have it pretty bad too. I'm just going to keep using trial and error and try to be optimistic that it won't last forever. If I could just keep from scratching I'd be ok. Good luck to you!

I too fear that I have Dermographism, though not yet diagnosed. I go to the doctor tomorrow. I've been itching for years. It tends to have gotten much worse recently. It's a daily thing now. I itch off and on several times throughout a day. It's the most intense itch. The first time I recollect itching this bad was just after a breast reduction (my best friend was staying with me and I felt bad that I was constantly requesting her to scratch or rub different areas of my body: Feet, scalp, legs arms and back. Mostly, the bottoms of my feet) I was on a strong antibiotic and some major pain killers. It seems that I've had itching spells ever since then. That's been about 6 years ago. I have just been living with the itch. Three months ago my job became more stressful mainly because of this New Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that our lovely government has so graciously blessed us with. Eversince having to try and figure out the ins and outs of this Medicare D stuff, I've been so stressed and I've been itching EVERYDAY... and for 3 months the slightest thought of itching or something barely touching my skins will cause RED RAISED WHELPS to break out all over my body (varies as to where they appear) suddenly lasting from 20 to 30 minutes. I may go 1 hour and break out again or a few hours before the next outbreak. Hot water DEFINATELY makes the outbreak worse!!! I've switched detergents, soaps, used alcohol and various types of lotion to try and kill the itch, NOTHING WORKS!!! It's MADDENING!!! Tomorrow I'm taking it up with my doctor and seeing what he has to say about all this. I also plan to share with him this website address so that he'll know just how terrible everyone with this condition is suffering. I'll let you know if he has any new treatments or if I'm just going to be placed on the same treatment as some of you are already on. I pray for a MIRACLE as I am sure some of you do also!!!

Any aloe gel from the drug store- #.99 to $10 for a large bottle - will kill the itch in a few minutes or less-- make sure aloe is the first ingredient - 100 pure ALoe. Keep some in the fridge so it works faster.. There is some conenction with heat making wheals worse, and the cold counteracts it. Good luck

I posted before about having dermographism for 5 years and then beating it. Well its been almost 2 years now and I feel great. I just wanted to give a little history on when I got it. I was 32 and was working out at the gym everyday, I was in the tanning booth every other day, I was working on a blast furnance at US steel and it was a hot summer ( all those reasons I was sweating more than I have ever sweated) I was showering and applying antiperspirant more than couple times a day. I was on antibiotics (tetracycline), I was under stress because I was going through a hard spot in life. Then in August, over several days I started scratching and started to notice the raised skin. MY feet started to tingle then burn,
I started scratching my skin off my legs at night when I tried to fall asleep also my skin was flaky with a white tint to it, kind of a dry haze. I went to dermatologist and he ran a few blood test and said it might go away or I might have live with it for the rest of my life. I thought he was a quack, how can I be a person who does not even have an allergic reaction to poison ivy be in such sad shape. So I tried a few things like only eating bread and water for 3 days, I gave up and figured it would cure itself. After a year and still taking antihistamines I got desperate, I thought to my self what if I got a fungus from the tanning beds, so I got some strong dandruff shampoo and smeared it all over my body, after 4 hours that stuff really burns. I tried tea tree oil all over, I tried aloe all over for a whole week, I soaked in a bath tub of bleach, epsom salt, and water so hot I looked like a lobster, nothing worked and I gave up. 4 years later I started working with a gentleman who said he goes to an Amish faith healer, my other co-worker just threw his back out two weeks earlier and was in severe pain, he took a day off to visit the healer, came back the next day and said he went in hunched over, he could not stand and the healer said "you have a slipped disked, I fixed it" and my co-worker stood up and two years later he has not had a pain in his back. Well I am skeptical perosn so I did a search on the net for this Amish Healer and I found one post about him on the whole net, and it was exactly what was wrong with me. The individual wrote how Solomon Wickey told him how aluminum is bad for you and to stop using antiperspirant because it contians 20% aluminum and to stay away from food cooked in aluminum and pop cans made of aluminum. Well I figured this cant hurt so I tried his advice and two weeks later my itching subsided enough to quit taking antihistamines, plus I was also using a long handled body brush to try to scrub any fungus that my cause my condition and also trying to get my skin to become less sensitive. I quit using the brush about a year ago, I did not want to stop trying anything I was doing right away in case it might come back. Well I have been on antibiotics seveal times since then and under stress for trying to start a development company and I have been doing great, I honestly think it was just the Antiperspirant and I have been using Old Spice DEODERANT only NOT antiperspirant/deodorant. Good luck on finding your cause.

I've had dermographism for about 7 years or so. I had asthma related cough. My doctor tried all kinds of antibiotics and Prednisone. After no relief I went to an allergist who treated the asthma instead of the cough. I started getting allergy shots which is when the dermographism started. My ears would get red and hot after an allergy shot. I stopped the shots. The asthma and cough are long gone, but the dermographism is still here. I take Zyrtec every other day. That really helps. I wait for it to wear off before taking another. I start itching my head off and even sneezing when it wears off. Right now I trying to wean myself off the Zyrtec. Sometimes I feel like Zyrtec has a big rebound effect when it wears off making the symptions triple. Has anyone else noticed that?

I have had dermographism for some 30 years now and use a drug called Atarax that seems to keep it in check. I find it more troublesome in the summer with the bugs, etc. Although the prescription is for 3 pills per day, I usually manage on 1 per day. I was fortunate to have been diagnosed very early. I have been on the same drug for these 30 years and to date have no side effects, (that I know of). I feel I contacted this disease through an open wound contact with automobile battery acid, working as an auto mechanic, however since it was so many years ago, I am not sure where it came from, as the Doctor never suggested it's source.

Hi Maggie! I would like to thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. My dermatologist recently gave me a prescription for Atarax/Hydroxyzine for when I do conceive! You made me feel much better and thanks again for that!

My doctor has prescribed me with Doxipin. We just had to up the dose. It makes me very sleepy. Anyone else on it? The horrible itching has decreased, but you can still easily "write" on me, and I dare not touch...or else the embarrasing redness and swelling appear.

I was diagnosed with dermagraphism in 1978 and i am now 64. what started it off was taking aspirin for my arthritis. my doctor perscribed Claritin, now i can buy it over the counter. i call them my itching pills. i never take aspirin anymore, but any clothing rubbing my skin can set off the hives. even my purse or packages hanging on my arm. the claritin is the best help i have found. it is a condition that can be very annoying.

I have just been diagnosed with this condition and it was such a relief to find out what the hell it is and i can stop stressing about it which i now know makes it worse as stress was the cause of mine in the first place. The first doctor i saw wasn't very sympathetic and put it down to something else then when i went back just uped my dose of antihistamines to shut me up. At last i saw a doctor that recognised it and has started me on a course of tablets to coinside with the antihistamines. I've found that applying ALOE VERA gel or cream to the site of itching helps relieve the itching and helps the red marks go down quicker, this may help others.

I haven't been officially diagnosed with it, but I truly suspect that is what I have. When I have something hard rub against my skin, about 2 minutes late it'll start to itch. The 2 times I was pregnant, I had a severe bout of hives (first one was because of an allergy to sulpha drugs, the second time I have no clue why I got them). After my second child was born, I got a bit of hives which went away after a few days of taking Benedryl. I started getting a bit of itchy spots and hives 9 days ago, and it usually lets up by now. I've been taking Claritin every day, but it doesn't help much at all. Last night I took a Claritin and a renitidine I had left over from the last pregnancy (it's for acid reflux) and so far, no itchy red spots at all. I am so worried they will come back. I truly HATE this disorder! I have had plenty of things wrong with me that eventually went away, so I hope it's the same with this!

i've just recently noticed the symptoms you've all described after a small course of anti-biotics. I've yet to see a doctor but it's clear now after reading this that i have dermographism.
i'm planing to see a doctor in the next few days but most of you see little good they can do, so i wont hold my breath. i'm just glad that my condition isn't as bad as alot of yours seem to be.
my itching comes and goes, it can sometimes dissapear for weeks befor returning suddenly. however the skin irritations stay with me and like most of you have said the slightest scatch across the skin can leave a mark for up to nearly an hour.
hopefully i am free'd from this problem over the next couple months as im not looking forward to living the rest of my life relying on medication, which caused it all to begin with.

I have had this three times now. The first two times it went away. Each breakout occured after I was treated for something with prednesone. About 20 months ago, I became very ill, very fast. Again they needed to boost my immune system with the mass doses of prednesone and when it did not work immediately, the dosage was nearly tripled. This episode has lasted the longest time for me and I believe it is due to the extreme amount of steroids used to battle my infection. My husband thinks I am crazy and some days, I believe him. I can only hope that I am right in that for me, it is an allergic reaction to the prednesone treatments and that it goes away again for me. In the meantime, I want to thank you for all the suggestions. I take a regular over the counter AH but as this is the worst it has ever been for me, I am going to ask my doctor to consider other treatments.

I have one word that will cure all your problems....I promise!
Doxipen

Hello~
My daughter is 11 and she has also been diagnosed with dermographism. there is not alot that I know about it so I apologize that I dont have any information to share with you about this. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. My daughter feels very alone as well. Keep in touch, we would love to talk with you some more.

My dermographism started 10 years ago on a trip to Maui. I ws completely zonked on Benadryl the whole time and thought I was dying! After many dr. visits, found the "old school" Atarax, or Hydroxizine. Watched my three young chidren play throughout the day because of extreme drowsiness. After about one year, I colud just take one pill at night. After about 4 years I could take one pill every other night. Recently put on antibiotic Macrobid for urinary tract infection. Among other reactions to this poisonous drug my dermographism came back with a vengeance, and is barely responding to daily Zyrtec and nightly Atarax. Miserable. Here is the connection, the first and last time I took Macrobid was 10 years ago while on a trip to Maui for UTI. This antibiotic was the trigger! Stress does play a big factor though, just had a major shock to the system worrying about an unmanageable situation, and I felt it all coming back...
Doctors are ignorant to this condition, and very unsympathetic. They get a little freaked out when you show them your entire arm in red, raised stripes from scratching, but then they just send you on your merry way. I believe the "CURE" is staying calm, counting your blessings, and giving yourself permission to freak out about it once in awhile, but just don't give into it every day. LIVE YOUR LIFE.

i was diagnosed with dermographism at the age of nine after a severe fit. i was also diagnosed with an allery to dairy products which i was not related. I itch 24/7. There is not one part of my body which doesnt itch, my main problem in not bing able to sleep becasue the itching intensifies as i get tired. I have been to many speciallists but none have found a cure. I am on a perticularly strong perscription as i take two Antihistamines called Citrezine, they help but do not take it away. i have also found that keeping the skin from drying up help by using moisturisers. i use a medicated cream call Eurax you can buy it over the counter at any chemist, although I do recommend that you speak to a chemist or your doctor before you try it. hope this helps. We all have our own stories and I do sympothise with you all.

I was diagnosed with this almost 4 years ago, I have taken all kinds of anthistamines, Clarytin, Atarax, and so on, they only provide relief for one or tow days but NO cure, if I stop taking my pill, even the faintest scratch will cause me this.
A doctor today told me to use both, Clarytin in the morning and Atarax before going to sleep, maybe the combination of both can help cure this, i's good to know we are not alone.

I have been suffering from dermagraphism for 15 years, and have kept it "under control" with a prescription for Atarax/ Hydroxyzine. Faced with the need to concieve, I did all kinds of things to cure myself to no avail. My doctor also recommended switching to Benedryl.
I called MOTHERISK in Toronto, a service set up by Sick Kids Hospital to counsel concieving or expecting women about prescription and other drugs. They have all the up-to-date studies and research on every kind of drug imaginable and the woman I spoke with assured me that BOTH Atarax/Hydroxyzine and Benedryl are considered safe during pregnancy. Google "Motherisk" and you can call them yourself to confirm and speak to a counsellor. I was very pleased with this info and so happy that this service is available - general practitioners can't keep up with all the latest studies so it is great to be able to call someone who knows the most recent information. Hope this helps!

I have dermagraphism and have had it for 10 years. My dermatologist prescribed Zyrtec and it has worked like a charm. I take one pill a day. I notice if I miss the pill by even 1-2 hrs, I start getting itchy. hope this helps some of you.

I have had severe itching and hives for about 20 years. I have been to three doctors 2 in Rhode Island and one at the Lahey Hitchcock Clinic in Boston, one of the best. All three doctors told me I do not have any allergies but I have to much Histimine in my body. I take 2 Allegras 180 mg one in the morning and one at night. I also take 2 Ranitidine 150 mg with the Allegra one in the morning and one at night. I still have the itching sometimes it's a little better but it is very hard to live with. Sometimes if I am watching TV I start itching and I have to get up and get a face cloth with cold water and put it on the red spots. When I break out the red blotches are very hot and if I put a cold facecloth on the area it will calm down. I am so sick of this I do not know what to do. They call my condition DERMOGRAPHISM I looked it up on the computer and it explaines what I have. The doctors told me they know what is but the don't know how to cure it.
ANY SUGGESTIONS?
THANKS,
MARIE

i am 26 now and have had this condition for nearly 5 years. started out as constant itching and then developed into itching plus the wheals. I take loratadine 10mg once every 3 days. It eliminates the itching but does not touch the wheals. This is the most frustrating thing i have ever experienced. Anything beyond a light touch to my skin will cause it to turn bright red and sometimes wheal. I have read as much as i can about this and have learned very little. I believe that it is tied to stress and emotions in some people, most likely in my case. When I was a teenager i lost my sister in a car accident and since have had periods of depression and anxiety. It is also one of those chicken or the egg type questions. Did the trauma and stress in my life casue the condition or did the condition cause the stress and anxiety problems that I have? In my case, I think the conditon was brought on by the stress and anxiety. Would like to hear from others that have a similar background. I also believe that there is a link to hyperthroidism also but my D.R. says mine ckecked out alright. Who know, maybe I will wake up tomorrow morning and it will be gone...........but i won't hold my breath.

i am 26 now and have had this condition for nearly 5 years. started out as constant itching and then developed into itching plus the wheals. I take loratadine 10mg once every 3 days. It eliminates the itching but does not touch the wheals. This is the most frustrating thing i have ever experienced. Anything beyond a light touch to my skin will cause it to turn bright red and sometimes wheal. I have read as much as i can about this and have learned very little. I believe that it is tied to stress and emotions in some people, most likely in my case. When I was a teenager i lost my sister in a car accident and since have had periods of depression and anxiety. It is also one of those chicken or the egg type questions. Did the trauma and stress in my life casue the condition or did the condition cause the stress and anxiety problems that I have? In my case, I think the conditon was brought on by the stress and anxiety. Would like to hear from others that have a similar background. I also believe that there is a link to hyperthroidism also but my D.R. says mine ckecked out alright. Who know, maybe I will wake up tomorrow morning and it will be gone...........but i won't hold my breath.

I am really discontent to hear about the shame and suffering of this disease. Not only this disease but all the others, and yes I do have it too. It’s a constant reminder of shame, which sometimes may get me depressed. I do not know how long it will last maybe for life but don’t let that keep you from the life you enjoy. I’m 17 and I don’t really know when I got it. Well like many of you I’ve gone to the doctor who just told me what it is but didn’t subscribe anything. “In time the marks will disappear” he said well I still got them. I don’t let that hold me down from what I enjoy doing. If a girl asks what that is, just say allergies; don’t let it sustain you from your social life. Well I’m if I find anything out I will be sure to post it.

I have had dermographism since I was 11-12. I am now 27. In the last 5 years, it is not as bad as it was when I was a teenager, but it is still evident. I can not ignore the possibility that the root cause of this illness in myself is stress or emotions. My doctor told me years ago that thos illness has a high potential of being a psychosomatic ailment. With this said, how many people here that are suffering have experienced some type of trauma in their lives? (Abuse, Alcoholic parents, drugs)? This condition is very real, I am curious of the potential of an underlying emotional root cause.

I was diagnosed with this approx 2 months ago and I have noticed relief for 2-3 days from taking an antihistamine. I personally find that Reactine works the best for me (Canadian). I also take oatmeal baths daily and use Aveeno lotion twice a day which seems to help a little. My problem is that I am presently trying to conceive and I am terrified of what I will go through during my pregnancy if I cannot take my antihistamine. Has anyone experienced this during pregnancy? My doctor said that I could take a Benadryl during pregnancy only when necessary; however from experience, I know that this is absolutely necessary every 2-3 days. Without the antihistamine, I cannot work or sleep. Any suggestions? I have already postponed trying to conceive while searching for a cure, however after reading this page, I realize that this could take years and my husband and I are desperate to start our family. I don't know what to do! I would not want to put my unborn child at risk by taking too many antihistamines.

I have had this bad condition for 5 months and I was sad to hear that so many people also have it and have been suffering for so long. Here is what seems to work for me (I have been virtualy itch free for one month - hope it helps some of you): I take one AERIUS allergy pill every day; if I feel a bout of itching beginning then I rub some Vaseline Intensive Care (dry skin lotion with vitamin A and E) on the area and this generally decreases the itching. Both products are sold over the counter. Good luck.

I was diagnosed last November, but have been suffering for almost 2 years. The symptoms very strangely and very suddenly started about 8 months after giving birth to my 1st child. (I thought I was waking up with big spider bites!) Went through the allergy tests, but all the allergy doc. had to do was scratch me with a pen and see it welt to diagnose me. Tight shoes, t-shirt sleeves, pants rubbing, scratching an itch too hard, all of these can cause HUGE welts on me. I've even had hands, fingers, and lips swell out of the blue. But, after seeing the allergist, (I was already previously put on Allegra 180 for my seasonal allergies) and also being put on hydroxyzine hcl 10 mg (can take 1-3 per night), I've not had one single major flare up in one year.........merely tiny, slightly- itchy "mini-hives" (maybe dime-sized)that disappear after a day instead of arm or thigh-eveloping welts that would last 3-4 days. Was told there is no cure, and no clue as to how long it can last. Can disappear as suddenly as it arrived. Weird! I'm so thrilled that the welts/hives/itching/swelling is under control with these tiny pills combined with the Allegra!

Wow im not alone! Ive had dermographism for 18mths now. It came from nowhere and drives me crazy. At first yeah what a funny party trick to write names on your skin but how annoying always being asked óoh have you scratched yourself'. I take Telfast (the one for allergy and hives) once a day which helps a bit but the itching AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!! How long is this gonna last?

I was just diagnosed with this a couple of days ago, and am hopeful that I do not have to live on to talk about dealing with it for years...just this week has driven me nuts. I'm still trying to figure out what made the onset occur. I do have a very stressful job, but on the day it began, I got upset with a supervisor, which was totally resolved by the end of the day, but my husband said he'd never seen me so upset/angry as I was at lunch time...so who knows. In speaking to an aunt, she and my cousin have gotten stress related hives, but not with the dermographism like I have. I am fair complected, had a raspberry latte that day, tried a homeopathic nasal spray with grapefruit extract for about three days prior, and ate some tortilla soup for lunch. Other than that, nothing out of the ordinary. I also have seasonal allergies and have regularly taken Zyrtec for over a year related to that, so am somewhat disappointed to hear that this is what some of you are treated with. For the moment, I'm just trying to figure out what started the whole thing, and what to do to STOP THE ITCH! when it starts as quickly as possible. Any advice is greatly appreciated...also curious because I know when I get stressed/embarrassed/or drink some hard alcohol, like gin, I get blotchy on my face and neck, but this was prior to the onset of dermographism...has anyone else noticed this?

Hey Guys, I Have Had Hypodermographism and Allergies for about 20 Years Now and the Only thing that gives me relief is 10mg of Zyrtec. I take one pill everyday and I no longer feel itchy. I still get welts and red marks associated with the disease but I feel so much better not constantly scratching. An interesting thing is that my body tells me when it needs another dose. I usually can go about a day and a half before needing another pill. If I start feeling itchy, I pop a zyrtec and 30 mins later, I am itch free. It is so wonderful finding a drug that allows me to go about my life not being itchy 24/7. Thank you Zyrtec and thank you Pfizer for creating it. :)

Hi, my son was diagnosed with this condition a couple of days ago, he is 3 years old! I have noticed if pressure is applied to his skin he gets the red mark that so many of you talk about. If the pressure is a little harder he gets a white raised swelling and a red mark around this as if he has been nettled.
Two or three weeks ago we were in the garden and my son came over and seemed concerned that there was a wasp on the slide he wasn't crying so I did not think much of it at the time. That night I noticed he had a bite or sting mark on the top of his thigh it looked very nasty and was all swollen and red it has calmed down considerably but the initial bite is still there. I cannot help but think this is what has caused the reaction that he is having now!!
I am not certain but he does not seem to be in any discomfort, however he is three years old and how does a three year old tell you he is in pain or discomfort?
I do hope that someone finds a cure for you all, I was not aware of this condition until recently.

I have had this condition for about 20 years, but was only diagnosed around four years ago. I started with Allegra 180 mg., but after a while, I became used to it. Then my doctor had me try Clariten (no help), Clarinex (no help), and benadryl (don't know if it helped, I was always asleep). Then she put me back on Allegra during the day and Zyrtec 10 mg at night. It worked like a charm. We just switched insurance companies (I'm in the U.S.) and now my medicine is not covered. The company will only pay for a sedating antihistimine. I tried Periactin, but after taking onlt the 9:00 PM dose, I was so tired the next day that I was taking a nap by 8:00 AM! I was in a fog all of the time and did not feel safe driving my car. Now I am paying for the drugs out-of-pocket ($180.00 / per month), and the insurance company has denied both appeals from my doctor. I now have to file a greivance. It's bad enough having this disease, but worse when it isn't supported.

Okay, so I'm not crazy. I've been itching for over 8 years, but it's only on my arms. I guess I should consider myself lucky that it's only on the arms. Mine is exacerbated by clothing. Summers used to be a relief, since i could wear sleevless shirts. But, this summer, it got worse even w/ wearing sleeveless shirts. And now that cold weather is coming on, I am beside myself. 8 years ago the dermatologist said it was dry skin, due to aging. Now he says its dermographism. I've read everyone's suggestions for medications, etc. Not sure where to start. I tried Zyrtec for a week and it did not help. Does it need to build up longer than that to give relief? Someone asked me the other day why I was so scantilly dressed on top!!! When I told them what I'm experiencing, they felt so bad. They have no idea! I'm going nuts with all the rest of you.

I have had this condition for 4 years now and taking antihistamines daily has kept it at bay although I am reallly reaching the end of my tether now. I am considering going to see an allergist/dermatologist now for further advice. I was very interested to read from one of you that you believe the condition may be linked to a yeast intolerance. I have recently found myself having symptoms of candidiatis and was wondering if there may be a link between the two. Some days the itching is worse than others but I must admit, the day after a night on the booze certainly seems to make the hives more of a problem. I can feel the blood rising to surface of my skin/burning (not painful) sensation more strongly than usual. I also find that if I haven't taken my antihistamines, if i do things such as walking bare-foot on gravel/opening jars, the reaction is quite painful but the pain seems to come from deep down, almost like an internal bruising, and there is a delay between the action (i.e. jar opening) and the pain. Very very odd condition and I am also sick of explaining to people that I haven't been in a nasty fight and that my face is 'scarred' from a tiny itch which i wasn't even aware of doing! Longing for this to go but not reassured by you poor people who have suffered for this for 20 years. Holy cow! Has anyone found this condition has vanished one day as strangely as it came on one day? I would be reassured to hear. Any alternative treatments you folk can recommend? Also, personally I can see no relationship between my condition and stress, although I have met one person who once suffered from the same thing for a few months and she seems certain it was stress-induced.

I have just been diagnosed with this thing today and i tell u this, what a relief. i thought i was losing my mind as many people dont understand it. Scratching like you are dirty or something.
I dont like the thought of taking antihistamines but for relief now and again, its okay. Besides, you get tolerant after a while anyway.
As i am a black woman, it is hard to see the redness on my skin. I dont have any visible weals, just mad itching. At night and esspecially after a session on the treadmill (I knew there was a reason why I havent lost any of my protuding gut!). Even walking to the train station can turn into a mad attack of the itches. I end up walking like a penguin when the itch reaches those embarressing areas, i cannot talk about...
The consultant I saw today took a load of blood tests to rule out other possibilities, but she's very cerain it is this dermathingy.
Oh well...
I pray there is a cure, but considering there isnt one for the common cold, I wont hold my breath!

I have had dermographism for about 4 years now. Antihistamines have not worked for me, but I do take a low dose of an antidepressant called Doxepin that seems to help. Good luck!

i've had it for about 10 months now. hydroxyzine gave somewhat good relief but made me way too drowsy. I am getting about the same result from taking 180mg allegra twice a day but no drowsiness. Also mixing in a zantac seems to help a little. Also for those of you currently taking allegra, good news, it just went generic. seems to work just as well but considerably less expensive.

Hi Samantha, I was diognised of Dermographism some 10 years back. I was put on Anti-Histamine since then.Inially I was on medication everyday.Over a period of time my medication intake became once in 3 days then once in 5 days and I now I need to take medicinre once in 8 to 9 days.There is no cure of this.and this not a disease, it is a body condition rather body over reacting something.Dont know what it could be.I been to all kinds of doctors, and nobody could ever give me a premanent solution.I suppose there isnt. You need to find out what u are allegic to .Your food constitution , oil or it could be anything.

this "disorder" is out of control, i don't know what we have to do but i havn't gone a day without benadryl and claritin in a long time.... doctors don't even give a rats ass about it either. can we fund some scientists to figure this out? please somebody i can't stand this...on the bottom of my feet, on my legs, on my face, on my wrists and hands. I hate itching.

Hello.
I have had dermographism for about 10 months so far... and I am not really looking forward to the fact thatthe mean duration of dermographism is approx. 9 years. The onset was sudden, and without explicit cause; I was covered with hives that touched anything, delicate skin areas like the ears often felt like they were burning... and I no longer perceived cold sensations as cold... they were now painful.
I did have PUPPP while I was pregnant, so I am wondering if the two illnesses are related.
I am currently taking hydroxyzine hydrochloride and loratadine. Taken together, the symptoms seem to be controlled... but the hydroxyzine taken at night still is very very drowsy. While I was pregnant, I started taking dandelion root extracts (from GNC) which seemed to help control the itching then.
Dermographism isn't as clear-cut as other diseases (e.g. lung cancer, hypothyroidism), and there are mixed reactions to the signs and symptoms. But I did find that it *completely* interfered in my activities of daily living which really should be enough for it to be understood as an illness.
I am depressed because I don't think I will be able to have another child while I am enduring dermographism. But I am glad to have my symptoms under control and hope all of you are able to find something that helps you.

My name is Esmeralda and like all of you I have also been diagnosted with dermographism. I checked out many sites and realized that no-one really knows how it starts. So I started thinking maybe we can find something the 5% of us have in common, we all have this and we all want a cure, but we have not been able to find patterns in our lifes so maybe we can find what we all have in common with eachother, but I need help. We need a network.

28 year old male, in dublin, ireland here. I just got back from the dermatologist an hour ago and he diagnosed dermographism. he just had to take one look at the marks from a pen. anyway, ive had it about 18 months and though it drives me mad I find Zirtek keeps it under control. I saw some others recommending it and thought i'd add my voice to that list. I take one every two or three days. It works fine for two days, no itching or welts, after that it'll start up again. I believe you can become immune to antihistamines so i try to keep them to a minimum, the doctor also suggested that the less you take the better. He gave me a prescription for Telfast which I guess I'll try. He said it can come on for no reason and tends not to go away however I recall my sister having similar symtoms a few years ago which disappeared after a few years. I don't know if it was dermographism she had but Im hoping mine will clear up the same way!
I think I'll try some diet changes and an anti-allergy matress cover just incase theres something there thats aggravating it.

Right after my last surgery , I started itching , burning , whelping . Even my ears would BURN like fire and turn red. I tried everything . Regular GP put me on medi-dose pack which is cortisone . I had 3 packs of that with NO help. I started using liquid benedrel . Was SO BAD , I was drinking a bottle a day . ONLY relief I had . KNOCK ME OUT COLD TURKEY . I finally went to see a dermatoligist . She told me I have the worse case of " Dermagraphism " she has every witnessed in her 35 PLUS years in this profession . She put me on Zyrtec "10 MG " and "hydroxyzine 25 Mg." These have to be taken together .... AS long as I take these 2 med's , condition is controlled ... Dr. took me OFF the meds for 4 days to document if my condition was improved , and BINGO , IT WAS NOT ... I entered her office on the 4th. day , in a rage of FITS . RED , ITCHING , severe whelps , and GOING NUTS . my dermagraphism was caused my codine , morphine , and antobotics given from my last surgery . Dermagraphism is a condition where your BODY releases TO MUCH hystimines . and MINE sure does NOW ... NEVER had anything like this before my body was shocked with all these PAIN MEDS , and PLUS STRONG antibotics .... I hope this information will help some of you out there ....

I just saw my doctor today and he said i had dermogrophism. along with the itching and somtimes the welts somtimes my hands or feet will swell up. does this happen to any of you. my doctor said i have a very mild case of dermographism and from reading some of your storys i think he was right. but still the itching can get really bad, it kind of remindes me of chicken poks except this comes back.

MY SON HAS JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH DERMOGRAPHISM. WE HAVE BEEN TO EVERY DR. POSSIBLE. NOTHING WE HAVE DONE IS HELPING. HE IS 15 AND IT IS ABOUT TO DRIVE HIM CRAZY HAVE YOU FOUND ANYTHING THAT WORKS YET? THANKS

I started having this problem about 10 years ago. I have all the same issues as everyone else, and if I don't take medication it has gotten as bad as bruising myself and one time itching until it bled. One person mentioned itchy ears, red and hot feeling. I've gotten that once or twice as well. My allergist only diagnosed me with this about 4 years ago. I am taking zyrtec everyday right now. I switch between that and allegra as my body tends to build up a tolerance to the drugs and the itching starts again. I'm at that point where I think I'll try allegra again. I've just learned to NOT scratch my skin when the itchy feelings start. Thinking about it can make me start to itch as well and I have noticed that when I'm upset/stressed it really acts up. If I miss taking an allergy pill I am miserable!!! I read what someone wrote about using a body brush and I'm thinking of trying that. Anyone else have any luck with this?

Just stumbled upon this because I was looking up info on dermographism and laser hair removal.
I've had this since I hit puberty. Allergy medicine works well, and I try to avoid things that aggravate it, like backbacks, opening bottles, belts, tight socks, etc. It's annoying, but it always goes away.
Just wanted to quickly answer the tattoo question. I was worried about that too when I got my tat two years ago, but it went fine. I think for next week's laser hair treatment, I'll take an anti-histimine before I go. I do tell technicians about it, so that they can be prepared if I start to get red and swell up. :) Fun times.

Same symptoms here.Had them for five years. Could rip my skin off.Then I did a "detox" under the supervision of a "Chinese practitioner" ..I did it for six weeks. It was then Xmas and I was fed up withthe detox so I had a beer[much to my delight]. The symptons [of dermagraphism] left immediately and didnt return for four years. What the detox or the beer mean I am not sure.I was relieved. Then it returned and I take Telfast which helps immensely but I probably should do the detox again. I love wine, bread, wheat, etc.Apparantly its a reaction to deep emotional stuff eh.

I've had it for 2yrs and also get the red burning ears, as well as red burning patches on my face. I am however, on medication and it seems to work really well, as long as I take the pills regularly. I take cimetidine 400mg morning and night, telfast 180mg (fexofenadine hydrochloride) in the morning and 20mg razene (cetirizine hydrocholride) at night. The cimetidine is a h2 receptor blocker (i think, maybe a h1) and the others are anti-histamines. These in combination control it really well so if you are struggling with this disease and aren't on meds, then perhaps talk to your doctor about the ones I've mentioned. Good luck all.

I have had Dermographism for about 10 years. I have tried all the common meds; allegra, zyrtec, claritin.... They all worked for a short period of time, but then ceased to be effective. The only drug that has seemed to provide the longest relief is Hydroxyzine(Atarax).

I have had dermographism for a year now. I just returned from seeing my dermatologist again and he emphasized there is no cure or magic drug. What you can do is try different cominations of drugs to reduce the redness and swelling. I tried taking 2 Allegra a day and that didn't work now he has me taking 1 Allegra and 1 Atarax a day. We'll see if it helps!

I am so thankful that I found this sight! I was diagnosed as hving dermographism one week ago. It seemed to come on gradually. I noticed that when I took hot baths my feet and elbows would get hives on them. Then, I would dust the house and get hives around my wrists. A couple of months ago I noticed hives on the back of my legs after I sat in my jeans too long. Then, I started to become itchy when I worked out for longer than 20 minutes. My doctor prescribed Claritin which gave a little relief but not complete relief. So, she put me on Zyrtec. I took one Zyrtec and broke out into hives from head to two (an allergic reaction to Zyrtec?--anybody ever have that?). Anyway, I finally went to the dermatologist/allergist and had a ton of blood work done. Everything is normal and he did the skin scratch test and determined that I have dermographism.
I was on long term antibiotics (Tetracycline) as a teenager and wonder if this is a side effect from that. I also have an anxiety disorder and seem to notice that I get worse the more I think about my hives. I think I am going to try a candida diet--I have done it before and have achieced excellent results from it.
I have noticed getting a rash under my arms and might try switching my anti-persperant to a deoderant.
I also get red ears too that I noticed for the first time last week.
Meanwhile, I am now taking an anti-depressant and Claratin. It helps, but I still seem to flare for no real reason.

I've had dermographism for 8 or 9 years now. I take a generic brand of antihistimine somewhat like Reactine, it costs less. This takes the itch away for almost 2 days. I do get itchy ears that burn, my scalp, neck, just under my chin. Those areas seem to be the worst and also my hands (top) Not my legs, yes arms but not too badly. I have tried not taking the antihistimines and I seem to have the itch even without marks from pressure on my skin constantly. I think I would go out of my mind without relief from the itch as it is fierce. It is so bad I could take a knife or fork and scratch until I bleed. No one has an answer to this health problem. I think someone should definitly start doing experiments on this condition and it will of course take money, that's why nothing is being done about it not to mention the fact that only 5% of the population has it. Not enough people, so who cares it's obviously not important to those who actually do something about diseases. I can't wait for this curse to be gone from my life.

I developed dermograhism from combination of pain med's given to me during recovery after my last surgery. Drugs were Codine and Morphine . I finally went to a great dermatoligist in Lafayette, La. Dr. Adrien Steward . She has put me on 2 med's and the combination of these 2 drugs controls my dermographism ... the DRUGS ARE : Zyrtec 10 MG. and Hydrocortizine 25 MG. I take BOTH of these at night . BUT she did say , I would probably have to remain of these medicines because , dermographism is a condition that releases TO MUCH Histimines in the body .

I have a 16 month old that started to get hives after taking an antibiotic and getting diarrhea from the antibiotic. He complains about his feet and his legs but he walks fine, no limping. He has also had some mysterious group of blisters on his upper arm a couple months later. A virus test came back negative on the blisters. He didn't get any other blisters but he gets what looks like little bites here and there sometimes that turn red and swell slightly. I find it funny that when I was pregnant with my now 16 month old, my other son and I broke out in severe iching, he had severe hives all over his body. That happened only once and I find it funny that now I've given birth to my little one, that he's having hive and blister probelms that seem mysterious to us. The doctor says the blisters were a bad reaction to a bite and the hives are an allergy. Since I was pregnant with him I chose to eat more wholefoods. I ate chicken, lamb and turkey and vegetables. I stopped eating beef because of the madcow scare and still don't eat beef. I did however when I was pregnant was told it was ok to eat these diet fudge pops I had with this warning about the sugar it contain or something like that. I ate them and looking back wonder if that had an effect on us. I have no clue.

Well, i havent been clinically diagnosed, but I know for a fact I have this... I saw my doc 2x, a dermatologist 2x , finally an allergist.. NONE of them had any good answers... We can make a car that flies (im sure its out there) but cant cure a freakin skin condition.
I HAD been breakout free for almost 6 months until 2 days ago.. I traveled from Des Moines, IA to Toledo, OH and I broke out, BAD...
I should mention I take hydroxizine 1 per day is all to maintain my symtom free lifestyle...
Check this drug out, its amazing... Whatever I was exposed to this week, hopefully clears out of my system now that im home.
Hydroxizine, check it out.

I have had this condition for almost 2 years. The onset was shortly after the birth of my daugther and right around the time I was to return to work. I have been on Zyrtec for well over a year, AND IT HELPS but hate the fact that I am dependent on medication just to get by each day. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING!

I can relate you what has been said, because I've had the condition for around ten years now and it really sucks. I've tried the typical drugs (Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra) but they only ease the itching while not really doing anything in regards to the physical manifestation of the condition. I hope someone can find a cure for this affliction and put an end to all our itching soon though.

I have also been diagnosed with dermographism recently. After finding this site I felt that my symptoms matched those described here, then went to my dermotologist where she confirmed it. It is strange how it just appeared one day, it's been approximately 5 weeks now and needless to say I'm hoping it won't last too much longer. I have been on Zyrtec which helps the itching quite a bit and helps a little with the redness, but it doesn't take much to have scratch marks appear. My Dr. wants me to try Atarax now, she feels this will work a little better than the Zyrtec, but it apparently makes you drowsy. Has anyone had much luck with this drug? Also, she suggests I use Sarna cream which is over the counter and helps with itching. I would love to hear an update from some of the folks who posted on here earlier, any relief yet? Also, since my skin is rather fair, does anyone know if a little sun might help?

hi, ive had dermographism for 10 years. I take antihistamines everyday. I find that fexofenadine works bets. But i do become tolerant to it after a while so swap onto cimetidene for a month or so. There are a lot of food that can trigger itching, Oranges/orange juice seem to really affect me. Not too difficult to cut out of my diet either, and this gives a great improvement! Other things that can cause itching are citrus fruits, berries (esp. strawberries) seafood. Avoid pollution too, i spent a summer in a forest in new hampshire and had almost no itching at all!! Dont shower every day, moisturise with mild stuff ALL the time! your toiletrees (shampoos etc) might be making it worse, try different ones till youu stop itching. And get treated for any eczema etc as this will make you itch more. hope this helps!xxx

I lost my father in Jan.2005 and noticed the red itchy hives, the itchy feet. So finally went to allergist May of 2005 and was diagnosed with Dermograpshism. He prescribed me allerga once a day so far no hives or itchy areas. Hope this helps someone. Stress can do some wierd things to the human body.

I'VE HAD THIS EVER SINCE I CAN REMEMBER, AND IT IS AS BAD NOW AS WHEN WAS WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER. I'VE FOUND NO MEDICATION THAT WORKS, NO CORRELATION BETWEEN FOODS AND THE ITCHING. I GET NO WELTS, JUST THE ITCHING. IT'S WORSE IN THE MORNINGS, AFFECTS MY ARMS AND LEGS. PUTTING THE AFFECTED AREA UNDER REALLY HOT WATER AND THEN COLD WATER WILL SOMETIMES HELP.

I have that problem. It start more than 2 years ago. I never took it serious. It was like fun - write own name on may skin. Lst week I wake up at look at mirrow - my face and neek grow up! I was at surgery - now I am taking drugs and waiting t meet specialist.

samantha, i was diagnosed with dermographism today, the doctor wasnt much help to be honest, she recommended antihistamines but the itching stops about 10-15 mins after it starts so i dont really want to be taking lots of pills if i can manage without them. how does it effect you?

I just got diagnosed with dermographism, started taking zyrtec, and it almost completely stopped

I suffer from dermographism also, it is the most annoying thing I have ever had to deal with. I was told years ago I had atopic dermatitis, and now 2 weeks ago I was told I had dermographism. I think I have had this all along, my derm. was just hesitant to call it that~ hmmm....I am on Allegra (not helping) Atarax (at night, makes you tired) I take 10-30mg depending on how much I itch.....and now I am on Predinisone 7.5 mg 1 week/5 mg week 2 and 2.5 mg week 3.....this helps break the itch scratch cycle but when taking this in the AM I am itching by about 3 PM again.....I wake up at night itching and raking my skin until it bleeds, and it's so frustrating that I want to cry sometimes when it wakes me up. I just lay there with the covers wrapped around me tight and ask God to make me fall asleep and make the itching stop...praying does help alot~ Good Luck all~ Karla :)

hi all. i have had dermographism all of my life (25 years) and I still put it down to consumption of foods or chemicals we're exposed to. I have abosultely no idea what causes mine. I take antihistamines every day (which i hate) and other than that i find taking cod liver oil capsules helps a 'wee' bit. I've taken mainly foxadenodene, lotaradine, and citirizine... based antihistamine drugs. This condition has always hindered my life but I try to get on with it. It's embarassing trying to explain to someone (particularly attractive ladies ;)) why you have a rash....I have a bad stint today because I was drinking guiness last night. i'm sure my body doesn't like yeast. anyway, i'm not allergic to that, so the allergy tests show. my doctor justs says i am a 'sensitive' individual.........some answer huh. anyway, i'd be interested to hear from you all........take care paul x