Dermographism in Adult
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
An increased incidence has been reported during pregnancy and in individuals with Behçet syndrome, thyroid disorders, infections, and atopic dermatitis. Dermographism affects approximately 2%-5% of the population and is more common in young adults.
Codes
ICD10CM:L50.3 – Dermatographic urticaria
SNOMEDCT:
7632005 – Dermographism
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Early contact dermatitis may present with linear urticarial lesions.
- Delayed pressure urticaria may develop up to hours after the inciting pressure and is usually painful, while dermographism develops over minutes and is usually asymptomatic or pruritic.
- Acute or chronic urticaria
- Other physical urticarias
- Angioedema
- Urticaria pigmentosa
- Systemic mastocytosis
- Lesions from strongyloidiasis (cutaneous larva currens) may resemble rapidly moving urticarial wheals.
- The early stages of bullous pemphigoid may manifest with urticarial plaques.
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:05/24/2022
Last Updated:05/25/2022
Last Updated:05/25/2022
Patient Information for Dermographism in Adult
Overview
Dermographism, which means "skin writing," is a condition in which your skin responds to light scrapes or scratches by quickly forming raised red flare-ups, known as wheals, in the same shape as the scratches. The flare-ups usually go away on their own within 30 minutes to 2 hours, but they can be itchy and visually bothersome. This type of skin rash is a unique form of hives.The main cause of dermographism is not entirely known, but may be related to local histamine that is released under the skin, causing the affected skin area to swell. The condition only affects the skin and is not dangerous; however, it can be a major annoyance for the patient.
Who’s At Risk
Dermographism mainly occurs in young adults, and on average lasts for up to 6.5 years. Between 2% and 5% of the general population has this condition.Signs & Symptoms
If a light scrape or scratch to the skin quickly results in a raised red rash in the same pattern as the scratch, dermographism should be suspected. The reaction may be itchy, but it should resolve on its own within 2 hours.If the flare-up lasts several hours to days, the patient may have a form of the condition known as delayed dermographism, in which the reaction lasts longer and may also be painful, sometimes described as a "burning sensation."
Symptoms of dermographism may also be seen in response to infection or after taking certain prescription drugs, such as penicillin.
Self-Care Guidelines
Luckily, the skin rashes of dermographism go away on their own, so the best thing to do during a flare-up is to avoid scratching and wait for the swelling and redness to calm down. Over-the-counter antihistamines may be taken to help relieve symptoms faster. Avoiding scraping and scratching of any kind can help prevent flare-ups.When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical help if you have unbearable itching, burning, or pain during flare-ups.Treatments
Antihistamines may be prescribed for dermographism to help get rid of itching; however, if antihistamines do not help, even after an increased dosage, other medicines may be considered by your physician. Currently, there is no cure for dermographism.Dermographism in Adult