Dermatographic urticaria

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List of terms related to Dermatographic urticaria

	Dermatographic urticaria;
	Dermatographic urticaria is sometimes called "skin writing".
ICD-10	L50.3
ICD-9	708.3
OMIM	125635
DiseasesDB	12736
eMedicine	derm/446

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]

Overview

Dermatographic urticaria (also known as dermographism, dermatographism or "skin writing") is a skin disorder seen in 4-5% of the population^[1], in which the skin becomes raised and inflamed when stroked or rubbed with a dull object^[2]. The symptoms are thought to be caused by mast cells in the surface of the skin releasing histamines without the presence of antigens, due to the presence of a weak membrane surrounding the mast cells. The histamines released cause the skin to swell in the affected areas.

This weak membrane easily and rapidly breaks down under physical pressure causing an allergic-like reaction, generally a red welt to appear on the skin. It can often be confused with an allergic reaction to the object causing a scratch, when in fact it is the act of being scratched that causes a welt to appear. These welts are a subset of hives that appear within minutes, accompanied by a sensation of burning, and/or itchiness. The first outbreak of hives can lead to others on body parts not directly stimulated, scraped or scratched. In a normal case the swelling has reduced itself with no treatment within 15-30 minutes, but in extreme cases, itchy red wheals may last anwhere from a few hours to days.

Dermatographism can be caused by stress, tight or abrasive clothing, watches, glasses, energetic kissing, heat, cold, or anything that causes stress to the skin. In many cases it is merely a minor annoyance, but in some rare cases symptoms are severe enough to impact a patient's life.

It can be treated by antihistamines or cromoglicate, as they prevent the histamine from causing the reaction. The underlying cause of dermographism is not known, and can last for many years without relief. 95% of chronic cases are never solved. Sometimes the condition goes away, sometimes it stays forever. It is not a life threatening disease.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination

Skin

Extremities

Dermatographic urticaria. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[3]
Dermatographic urticaria. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[3]
Dermatographic urticaria. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[3]
Dermatographic urticaria. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[3]
Dermatographic urticaria. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[3]

Trunk

Dermatographic urticaria. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[3]
Dermatographic urticaria. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[3]
Dermatographic urticaria. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[3]
Dermatographic urticaria. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[3]

References

↑ Jedele, KB; Michels, VV (1991), "Familial dermographism", American Journal of Medical Genetics, 39 (2): 201–3 PMID 2063925
↑ Kontoi-Fili K., Borici-Mazi R., Kapp A., et al. "Physical urticaria: classification and diagnostic guidelines." An EACCI position paper. Allergy 1997;52:504–13.
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 ^3.3 ^3.4 ^3.5 ^3.6 ^3.7 ^3.8 "Dermatology Atlas".

External links

bg:Дермографизъм nl:Dermografie

Template:WikiDoc Sources

[1] Jedele, KB; Michels, VV (1991), "Familial dermographism", American Journal of Medical Genetics, 39 (2): 201–3 PMID 2063925

[2] Kontoi-Fili K., Borici-Mazi R., Kapp A., et al. "Physical urticaria: classification and diagnostic guidelines." An EACCI position paper. Allergy 1997;52:504–13.

[Dermatology_Atlas-3] 3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 ^3.3 ^3.4 ^3.5 ^3.6 ^3.7 ^3.8 "Dermatology Atlas".

[1]

[2]

[3]

v t e Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (integumentary system) (L, 680-709)
Infections	Template:Navbox subgroup
Bullous disorders	acantholysis (Pemphigus, Transient acantholytic dermatosis) · Pemphigoid (Bullous, Cicatricial, Gestational) · Dermatitis herpetiformis
Inflammatory	Template:Navbox subgroup
Radiation-related disorders	Sunburn · actinic rays (Actinic keratosis, Actinic cheilitis) · Polymorphous light eruption (Acne aestivalis) · Radiodermatitis · Erythema ab igne
Pigmentation disorder	hypopigmentation (Albinism, Vitiligo) · hyperpigmentation (Melasma, Freckle, Café au lait spot, Lentigo/Liver spot, Acanthosis nigricans, Acral acanthotic anomaly)
Other skin	keratosis/hyperkeratosis (Seborrheic keratosis, Callus) · other epidermal thickening (Ichthyosis acquisita, Palmoplantar keratoderma) skin ulcer (Pyoderma gangrenosum, Bedsore) Cutaneous Markers of Internal Malignancy (Florid cutaneous papillomatosis, acanthosis nigricans, sign of Leser-Trelat) atrophic (Lichen sclerosus, Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans) necrobiosis (Granuloma annulare, Necrobiosis lipoidica) · other granuloma (Granuloma faciale, Pyogenic granuloma) cutaneous vasculitis (Livedoid vasculitis, Erythema elevatum diutinum)
Connective tissues	collagen disease: Keloid localized connective tissue disorders: Lupus erythematosus (Discoid lupus erythematosus, Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus) · Scleroderma/Morphea · Linear scleroderma · Calcinosis cutis · Sclerodactyly · Ainhum
see also congenital, neoplasia


Dermatographic urticaria
Dermatographic urticaria is sometimes called "skin writing".
ICD-10	L50.3
ICD-9	708.3
OMIM	125635
DiseasesDB	12736
eMedicine	derm/446