Why Do I Suddenly Have Dermatographia
One morning, in 2016, I got out of the shower and I noticed these strange “scratch” marks on my skin. I didn’t think much of it, at the time, since I have sensitive skin. As days passed, the scratch episodes became more frequent and increased in severity. I had no idea what was causing it. I was freaking out. So I went to the dermatologist. Little did I know, that would be the start of managing a skin condition.
I Have What?
Since I had just traveled to Mexico with my family, my derm wanted to treat me for scabies. What, Are you freaking kidding me??!! The thought of having bugs under my skin nearly sent me into a frenzy.
I did two rounds of scabies treatments with no relief and nothing the derm prescribed was working. After two weeks, we both realized it was NOT scabies and it was most likely something internal. It was time to see an allergist. It took a while to get an appointment but when I did, I learned something I didn’t even know existed.
Skin Condition
My allergist confirmed that I didn’t have scabies (Thank you sweet baby Jesus!!) but informed me that I had a skin condition called, dermatographia. Huh?? “Can you spell that for me?” I had zero clue what he was talking about. Had never even heard of it before. He explained that only 2-5% of the population have Dermatographia and I was one of the chosen ones to develop it.
What is the main cause of dermatographia?
Dermatographia is a skin condition known as “skin writing”. When someone with dermatographia lightly scratches their skin, the scratches can swell, become inflamed, and cause raised red lines. It’s a condition that hasn’t been studied well but doctors do know a few things.
The good news is, it’s NOT contagious. The bad news, is that there is a theory that it could be linked to cortisol and histamines in the body. Emotional distress is considered to be one of the leading causes.
Below are pictures that were taken with my phone. The first top 2 pictures were some of the first “minor” episodes. Eventually, it would cover most of my trunk (as seen in 3rd pic), some of my arms, and upper legs.
It’s not easy for me to share these pictures 
But I want anyone else that is quietly suffering to know you are not alone and it can be managed with a few lifestyle changes.
How do you get rid of dermatographia?
The condition is known to disappear on its own within months or years. There are things to help keep the condition manageable. Some of those things are, avoiding itchy clothes and bedding, using soaps without fragrance, taking cool or lukewarm showers, using a humidifier during cool, dry months, moisturizing your skin daily, avoiding scratching your skin if possible, and most importantly managing your stress.
My allergist had me on two medications, Allegra in the morning and a Zyrtec at night. That combination really helped me to keep the skin episodes to a minimum. Over time, I was able to wean off the medicines and only use them when needed.
My outbreaks aren’t as bad anymore but I do get them from time to time, especially when I’m stressed, or have neglected to take my allergy meds when needed. I have noticed that when I eat anti-inflammatory foods my episodes are less. Here is a list of 20 foods I have added to my lifestyle.
Does lotion help dermatographia?
Some of the things I found that helped me was to remove fragrance in many of the things that touched my skin. So I use fragrance-free soaps and lotions. They didn’t cure me but they made my flare-ups more manageable in a lot of ways.
Why Share All this
The reason I am sharing this is for two reasons:
1) For anyone who is suffering from this, you are not alone and it can be managed.
2) This has been quite the journey for me but so happy to finally RELEASE it. I have been holding onto this and letting it out is freeing for sure!!
I don’t want anyone who follows me on social media to think the pretty little pictures are a complete reflection of my life, they aren’t. I have struggles too. I have plenty, trust me.
Disclaimer: I am by no means a medical professional and if you think you may have dermatographia please see a medical professional/doctor as soon as possible. This is an account of my own experiences. Every person is different.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this.
Much love your way.
Oh, Wow! What a very interesting condition! Thank you for sharing, it’s hard to reveal what’s happening that may not be considered “perfect”. Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made!
It’s so hard to share this since you scroll through social media and every one is SO perfect. But that’s when I realize I need to take a step back and know, this is MY story. And won’t hide it anymore. I just hope this helps someone else too. Love you Charity!! And congratulations on your new home!
Stress is such a monster! I am glad you didn’t give up and listened to your body!
I think I was riding on adrenaline for so long and it finally caught up to me. Believe it or not, my little space on the net has been part of my stress relief. It’s helping me release a lot that I have been holding inside. Thank you so much for your support! Much love to you!!
Thank you for sharing..I have the same condition and I also did two rounds of scabies treatment
I’m glad to connect as I need help with skin issue.
So sorry you are going through this too
Thank for sharing. I know that’s not easy. You are very brave and strong.
Thank you so much Suzie. It’s been an interesting chapter for sure but grateful that we have modern medicine to help
thank you for visiting my blog. Your support means so much!
Oh my goodness Alley! How scary to see that developing and not know what it was. Glad to hear you are feeling better and are able to manage it. Lots of hugs your way
Thank you so much! It was very scary and since we had just been on a family vacation in Mexico it kind of added a whole other element of “what did I get there??” But so grateful it is better now and I know what it it. Now it’s just a waiting game of when it will go away.
You are beautiful! Even with a skin condition! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you so much Heidi for your kind words. It has been a journey for sure and feels really good to be open about it now:) Much love to you. Alley
Hi Alley,
I recently came across your website and I’m so glad I did! I”m 28 years old and ever since I can remember, I’ve had this skin condition but didn’t know what it was. I also thought it was just because my skin was super sensitive until this past December 20, 2017, I had an doctor’s appointment with a neuromuscular specialist (nothing related to skin) and I guess I was a little nervous and I scratched and when it got all bumpy she was like “woah, what’s that?” and my response was “I don’t know, that happens when I scratch” and she seem super concern and asked me to scratch again, took out her cell phone, recorded the process from when I scratched until it got bumpy and finally told me it was dermatographia, I was also like “what is that? can you spell it out for me?” LOL I was so intrigued to finally know what it was. I had been to dermatologists, allergists and all sorts of doctors since childhood and no one seem to know what it was. Anyway, sorry for my long comment. I just wanted to share my experience and I’m glad I’m not the only one with this skin condition. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Cristina, So glad you found me on the net!!! It’s a VERY strange skin condition and I was really surprised that my dermatologist never once mentioned, Dermatographia. I had all kinds of people say things to me even “bless yourself with holy water” haha!
It is nice to finally understand what I have and I am so glad I shared it with my readers. Have been living with it for over two years. Please stay in touch!! Glad we are not alone and can help support each other. XxXx
I think I have it too. A friend once commented about a scratch on my face that had like rose. It was relatively small though and didn’t hurt. I don’t really mind I though as my skin isn’t that much more itchy than usual since I have dry skin.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Hi Glory, the good news is that it is a skin condition that can be managed and I will say it has gotten better for me. I don’t have as many “episodes” and they aren’t as bad anymore. Best of luck to you!! Glad you found my post and I appreciate you commenting. xoxo
Hi, Alley!
It is nice to read your article, it encourage me in fact I’m not alone suffering this condition. I’ve been living this sensitive skin since last year and it get worse now. The scratch pop up right after I took a bath, or while I’m taking an exercise, anytime, anywhere, it really makes me feel so stressed. I’ve been wondering could it be recover completely? =(
I had an appointment with two doctors allergist but I got nothing, They gave me some histamine pills and menthol lotion to relieve the scatch for a while.
Anyway, I hope we could get through this severe condition
Thanks for sharing, Alley!
Hi Yoan! So glad you found me on the internet. YES, this skin condition is very odd and can add stress to a person’s life. I will say, for me it has gotten a lot better. My reactions are getting less and less and not as severe. So its good to know it wont last forever. Hang in there and try to do things to keep your stress low, drink lots of water and try to not stress when it happens ( I know easier said than done). Let me know if you have any more questions. I am here to help!!
Hi Alley,
A couple weeks ago i had very itchy skin around my waist-line and underwear area, specifically my bum cheeks. i kept scratching, and alot of dots appeared, like small pimples but fluid-less. It also started appearing on my arm and calves. They stopped now, all that’s left are scars from scratching.
But now i feel like a whole part of my body itches non-stop. But there are no spots or anything. Just endless itching.
And when i scratch, it becomes red in no time. But goes away after maybe 30 mins to 1 hour.
The scratch marks look exactly like in the pictures you showed. So i think i also have dermatographia.
But my question is, for you, does your skin also itches non-stop?
Also, do you have any news of anyone who have overcome this?
Thank you.
Kevin
Hi Kevin, I appreciate you sharing your experience here. I had to go to several doctors before I was diagnosed. I would highly recommend you go see a doctor to confirm what you have.
With my dermatographia, there is an incredible amount of itching. Sometimes it’s unbearable.BUT the more I itch the worse it gets. I will say, in the last several months I haven’t had as many episodes and they haven’t been as bad. I noticed that when I am stressed my episodes do get worse. So in my opinion, I feel there is a direct link to stress and an “episode”. I hope you find answers as I know how frustrating it can be. Please keep me in the loop to your progress! I know my readers will appreciate it too. Best, Alley
You should get tested for iron deficiency/anemia. I had this a few years ago and it was really frustrating until I got the diagnosis and was able to take iron supplements.
Hi Alley! Thanks for sharing! I actually have the same skin condition. Does yours itch too after the marks appear? By the way, I have had dermatographia for 4 or 5 years and still going strong
I don’t mind it though haha but it does get very uncomfortable sometimes
Yes!! it becomes itchy when the marks appear. I have had it for over 2 years now and it isn’t as bad as it used to be. But I do notice I get more skin reactions when I am stressed. Do you find that to be the case for you too?
thank-you for your website. I’ve had this condition on and off again too for the past 4 years. I’ve done everything you’ve done to no avail, it seems all random. some days can be ok but some out of control. it will disappear for months at a time then come back again. right now I’ve had it for 8 months, one of the longest periods in these 4 years. is this something we have to live with forever?
Hi Trevor,
So sorry you are experiencing this to. It can be extremely frustrating.There is still not a lot of research on the condition and it’s not well understood.I have learned to manage it the best I can but its not always easy.Really hope one day it will just go away. Let me know if you hear of any new findings. Best to you.
I know how you feel. I’ve been dealing with skin writing for years. Recently, I’ve started working with my dietician on an elimination diet and it seems to be helping!
Hi Becky, Sorry you have been dealing with it too
Would you mind sharing some of the things they had you eliminate in your diet?
This looks exactly what i have! Started 2 weeks ago after a bath, I am on Blexten but hasn’t worked at all! I go back to the dr on Monday
Hi Marie, hope your doctor is able to help you manage this but I also encourage you to pay close attention to triggers in your lifestyle. Either food, stress, etc. Hang in there YOU are NOT alone.
So glad I came across your article-I will for sure be showing my dr pictures I have taken of my skin and then the ones I have compared to on the Internet, what foods have you (if any) eliminated from your diet-I’m wondering if trying to eliminate gluten would help?
So happy I found this! I’m currently 22 years old and when I graduated from high school I would get my nails done with acrylics and when I would scratch my skin would get raised like that and I assumed it was the nails so I try to stay away from getting acrylics. Recently, my skin has started to get raised again and the itching is non-stop. I’m taking Benadryl and I have calamine lotion and spray to try and soothe the itching but I feel like it isn’t helping. I had already seen that it was Dermatographia online because I decided to look it up this time and when I seen pictures I was positive that was it. It’s just really unbearable right now. I’m going to go to the doctor because it’s my entire body including my face and my scalp. I want to know what I can do so it will stop itching so badly.
Thank you
Hi Ivette,
So sorry you are going through this too.Hoping that you get answers through your doctor and he/she can help you with a plan to help relieve the itching.I personally can understand how frustrating it is. I am in your shoes too. Very best and keep this group posted with any information.
Hey Alley,
Just came across this blog. I had been diagnosed with this condition in mid 2003-2004 and funny thing is, nobdoy knew that time that its called “dermatographia” which was giving me sleepless itching nights. Even the multiple doctors i used to visit (in delhi since I was raised there) could not term this condition. Its actually today that i came to know that this condidtion is called dermatographia. Anyways, those doctors did recomend an elimentary diet for me to find out what is the trigger point. So, in my case “Soya” is the culprit. I was 15 years old time and my intake of soya (mostly found in chinese food i had) was too high. I completletly cut down on it and my condition came under control, Though, still if there is too much stress(pinching/pulling) on my skin, the marks appear and dissapear within 15 mins, but the unbearable itching is completely gone.
Hi Manas, it’s been several years of learning and managing this skin condition. My allergist is now recommending to avoid red meat and cow dairy. Hoping it helps. My “episodes” are less intense but mine sometimes last for an hour or so. Glad the unbearable itching is gone for you.
So glad I found this as I have been suffering from this for the last 3 months. I have pictures just like yours and it’s getting me down. I take one certriziline in the morning. I’m okay until around 4pm and start to itch again and the lines start appearing. I can write my name on my arm and it will come up raised within 5 minute’s. I have tried taking 3 antihistamines a day but it makes no difference. I wish there was a cure. I have an appointment with a dermatologist at the end of this week
Hi Farrah, I am so very sorry you are suffering from this too. What has worked for me is being consistent with my allergy meds and also changing my diet(very little to no dairy, no red meat) and decreasing stress. Also be sure to check your vitamins and minerals to see if you are deficient in anything. There has been some research that shows hives come from gut health and stress. Best of luck and please keep in touch!!
Hi alley,
I too suffer from Dermatographia (having a bit of a flare up as I type this). My dermatologist hasn’t given me much to battle it but I feel it 100% comes on worse with stress. I normally think of everything I have to do the next day when laying in bed and that’s normally when the flare up happens. I try my hardest not to scratch when it starts but it’s not easy. It’s nice to know I’m not alone but I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Definitely need to try your tips out and here’s to hoping our irritating skin condition goes away!
Hi Courtney,
Stress triggers it for me too, along with diet. I am trying to avoid dairy and red meat whenever possible (per my allergist recommendation). Also, I recommend getting your vitamins and minerals checked to see if you are lacking in some areas. I have been taking a B-12 and Vitamin D which I feel has been helping but I still get reactions when I dont stick to my antihistamines and I don’t keep stress under control. Best of luck and please reach out whenever you need!!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve been experiencing similar reactions and it’s comforting to know that I’m not the only alone. I’m going to eliminate dairy and see if that helps. Thanks again!
Hi Kelly,
I will be updating my blog post soon and will be adding a list of anti-inflammatory foods that I am adding into my diet. Will share soon and you are not alone with this condition.And there are ways we can manage it.
Please stay in touch. Very best my web friend. xoxox
I’m so late with finding this article but I’m so glad I did. I am 18 years old and I’ve had this skin condition my entire life! I did my own research to find out what it was but never knew it can be triggered by stress..I’ve always looked for other people with it and never found anyone! So this is super cool! If you have anymore stories please share !! I’ve tried to do research to find how to cure..its so hard explaining it to people especially in relationships! I never know how to respond I’m also still a Virgin tmi and I’m so nervous to how everything will react when I’m married if its hereditary!
Hi Alexa, Thank you for reading my post. I can understand you being nervous about being in relationships and explaining it. Good news it’s not contagious, but the bad news is sometimes with touch the skin reacts.
I do believe a lot of it may be caused by stress. Mine started after I had a bad life experience. In the few months, it has gotten better but I do notice that if I don’t eat right or get stressed it happens more often.
Hang in there and hopefully, I will be sharing more in the next months.
Hi Alley
I was recently diagnosed with Dermatographia and I was just curious as to whether your breakouts are always in large scratches like your pictures? I have it all day, every day and it’s been like this for two months so far but anything sets it off and it appears on my hands, wrists, arms, neck, shoulders, back and chest every couple of hours randomly. But it is not itchy. I can feel it like a little tingle sometimes but sometimes I just happen to see it or aorose someone else does! It sets off when I do anything with my hands like picking up a bag, drying my hands etc. That makes it appears in random places at the same time. If I scratch then I get the same reaction as you except in different areas as well as the scratch site.
Does this sound typical? Taking a prescribed antihistamine and an over counter one daily for over a month but no change.
Sorry for long comment! So hard to find someone to ask about it.
Thanks
Jen x
Hi Jen! I am so glad you found my post.
I was taking meds for a couple of years (morning and night). In the last several months I have limited my antihistamine meds and tried to reduce stress and watch what I eat more. There are studies that say chronic hives come from poor gut health and since I was at my wit’s end I wanted to give anything and everything a try.
I am feeling a lot better with my hives and I do still get them but not as bad a year ago. I do still get marks from clothing or bags, etc, My skin is super sensitive. I am so very sorry you are going through this too. It’s so frustrating and very uncomfortable at times. I’m no doctor but my biggest recommendation would be to get healthier from the inside out (drink water, avoid high inflammation foods, get enough sleep, manage stress as best as possible and definitely talk to your doctor). I do have a post on my blog of anti-inflammatory foods that I have added to my diet. Its been helping me so much. You may want to take a look. Head to the SEARCH on my site and type “Anti-Inflammatory” Hope this helps and please know you can reach out to me at anytime. lifeofalley@yahoo.com I am here for you.
Hi Jennie,
When I first started getting the reactions they would be all over my body (mostly belly, arms, and back) and covering larger areas. It has been getting better and my reaction areas tend to be a bit smaller now. But with that said it ALL depends on my diet and stress. Recently I was really stressed out and I kept getting reactions all over. I do have the same experience where sometimes I don’t even notice until someone points it ou (“you have a scratch on your arm?”). I took antihistamines for a very long time twice a day. I found that when I controlled my stress and ate anti-inflammatory foods my reactions are less. The best thing is to talk to your doctor. I would also suggest keeping a journal of your reactions. Were you stressed? Did you come in contact with a certain fabric? What was your diet like? Were you sleeping well? Really pay close attention to the details leading up to your reaction. I know doctors are big on prescribing medicines which thankfully we have but I do think it may be equally important to figure out the factors that may be causing the reactions too. I hope that helps in some way.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and what I share is strictly coming from my perspective and experience.
I am glad I am not alone in this. My Dermatographia started September of 2019 and even though it’s only been 3 Months I feel like it has been years. I wake up everyday hoping the condition has gone away on its own but it never does. I knew what it was before I saw the dermatologists but he indeed assured me that it was Dermatographia. He went on to say that he has never seen anyone in their 40s or older with this condition. I thought, “Great, I could have another 20 years with this condition.” I am 27 years old by the way. To be honest I can live with it that long but it’s sucks when you can’t itch because you just “got an itch that needs to be scratched” kind of itch. Like I read on another comment in here you itch and itch and it just gets worse. I can no longer satisfy that back itch I get every once in a while. It sucks. And don’t let me get started on when I brush my hair. THAT IS THE WORSE. I have never itches so bad than when my entire scalp is itching to the point I want to throw it into a wall. I am not sure what caused my Dermatographia but if the cause really is stress than I can believe that. My little girl is about to turn 2 and she keeps me on edge all day long! Or maybe it’s just the universe saying, “Not today girl!! You are gonna break out in streaks and hives every time your skin gets touched!” Who knows but I am glad I’m not the only one with this condition I think his world. Rant over lol
I am so sorry you are going through this too. It’s a unique condition but I promise you are not alone! Just take a look at all the comments on this blog post! Many are suffering but there may be ways to help manage it. If you need another helpful resource check out https://dermatographia.com/
Lots of great info there too
I am 47 and have had this condition for at least 20 years. My PCP and allergist have been unable to figure out the triggers as I really don’t have flares – always pretty constant. I have learned to live with it. Clothes, sheets, purse – everything leaves imprints. It alarms others but I have largely learned to ignore it and since it is worse on my trunk, not as visible.Sorry you are also dealing with this and hope it resolves for you sooner rather than later!
Hi Alicia, I am so sorry that you are going through this too. It’s an odd skin condition for sure and people do become alarmed when they see it on your skin. I know the first time I showed my mom she was so scared! she had no idea what it was. Hang in there, there is hope. After several years dealing with this, I have learned to manage it with allergy meds, reducing stress and avoiding triggers as best as possible. It’s not easy and I still get flare-ups but they are getting better.
I have the same condition too. But its kinda rare cause the first time it started was when i was 5. I’m 16 now. So its almost gonna be 12 years with me having this skin condition. And its soo hard to live like this. That once time i consulted a doctor *he wasnt a specialist* he was like oh that happens tk me too and hust scratched his skin and showed me it getting red only. I mean what the hell? Thats not my case. Also I’ve noticed that as years pass this gets worse. Before it started with ony irritation. And then it started from my hands took years to cover my whole skin. But now, it happens inside my mouth and throat too. Its really scary. I still havent got the chance to consult a good doctor.
I’ll just summarise how my case is now..
It happens in less then 2 minutes when theres a scratch or any pressure on my skin. Most of the times, it takes hours to go back to normal. When i eat, and if anything hard just slightly scratches my gums, it happens. Even on my tongue. When i sneeze, my throat itches like craaazzzyyyy. Thats the worst thing ever. But the funny thing is I’m kinda used to it. But still i just go out of control and end up scatching my body so much. I wish when i reach my 20s or 30s, this would stop…
I am so sorry to have experienced this from a young age. It’s so hard to understand and control this skin condition since there isn’t a ton of info on it. Just know you are not alone and it does get better over time. Have you considered eating certain foods to help?
Hello Alley! I just found your article and it makes me feel so much better knowing that I’m not in this alone. Today I have had an extremely itchy episode. And when I have these extremely itchy episodes, I always go on a search frenzy, searching anything and everything I can on Dermatographia. That’s when I came across your article. It’s nice to read comments of others who understand my struggle. I’ve had it for a little over a year. My doctor prescribed hydroxizine. I take it 2-3 times a day. I get extremely stressed and overwhelmed by the itching. I anxiously await the day it goes away! Thanks again for your article. I can completely relate to it!
Hi Leticia, I am so sorry you are going through this too. It’s not an easy skin condition since it often feels like it’s coming out of nowhere and is so uncomfortable (with the itching). I found that this year has been a much better year for me since I try my best to watch my stress as best as I can and watch certain foods that I eat. I have a list of anti-inflammatory foods on my site that have helped. Head to the search box on my site and enter “anti-inflammatory foods” and it should pull up for you. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Very best to you and Happy New Year!
I just started developing this at 34. Not as mysterious though – I work in an ER and the docs all recognized the condition quickly. The first time it happened I woke up and my entire stomach was reddened with the scratch marks. It looked like I had been self harming all night. Started off with very rare occurrences now its anytime I scratch myself in any way. Its brutal! I’m allergic to myself haha
Oh I can do relate. I have been doing a better job with managing stress and watching what I eat a bit more , I found that’s helped me get off some of the allergy meds. If you are looking for another resource check out https://dermatographia.com/
Omg I have never seen so many people in one place with this condition. It’s so isolating sometimes. I’ve experienced it in and off all my life but it has become a lot worse over the past five ish years. I would love to get in touch with more fellow sufferers and share notes. I’m actually blown away by this and am going to look more at your site, Alley. I literally just stumbled on this page while googling in an itching fit lol Do you know of any forums or even support style groups where people share their advice on dealing with this condition?
Thanks for your post!
Hi Bec, I thought I was the only one suffering from this. This post has been incredible for others to connect and help each other! Head to https://dermatographia.com/….it has been an incredible resource to me since he too suffers from the condition and created a website for it! Tell him I sent ya
Hi,
I have been struggling with this condition for 3 years and have spent numerous hours searching for answers just like many of us do on this page in hopes that one day someone will find the cure and this curse will end. My doctors have prescribed me same medication you have but they didn’t work. After testing out different stuff the only one that i can say works for me is the Levocertizine Dihydrochloride. Im not medical professional so please consult with the doctor before taking any medication. Just wanted to share this as it might bring some relieve to someone else.
I am so glad you have found something that works. Everyone is so different and a certain treatment won’t work for everyone.It’s so important to find a good medical professional that can help.
Hi I have been struggling with this for 4 years it has taken over my life I look hideous I scratch my face body everywhere sometimes it hurts so much I can’t stop crying when I’m not dressed and scratch my body is so embarrassing I am struggling so much with this I don’t
Know what to do anymore it’s really ruining my life and hurts me
So much nothing helps nothing helps
Hi Mariam, I am so sorry you are struggling with this too. After several years I feel like I have a handle on mine but I still get reactions, most are not as severe anymore but still annoying. Think it is really important to consider making your body healthy from the inside out (eat well, sleep, exercise, and drink water). For me, I feel like when my stress is high I get more reactions AND if I eat a lot of inflammatory foods my body reacts more. So I try to eat more ANTI-inflammatory foods. Please know that you are not alone in all this. Stay strong and reach out if you need to chat.
Hi Alley,
First of all I wanna thank you so much for sharing your story!! I feel better now knowing that I am not alone in this, can’t believe that a number of people are suffering this condition too! I have dermatographia for almost a year now, self-diagnosed few days ago after seeing people sharing their photos on the internet. Went to 6 different clinics, no doctor could explain what was happening to my body, even specialists couldn’t too! Every time I eat something or take some medication(most meds), it just gets my face and my whole body flaring up, worse if I scratch or the surface if my skin is on pressure(like sleeping on one side gets my thigh and arm red when I wake up). I had to treat it with Loratadine every single day. I also have GERD, which I believe I need to fix my digestion first hoping it would help my body absorb nutrients better and this condition goes away. It used to give me panic attacks and severe anxiety because of my fear, thinking it might lead to a severe allergy at times(anaphylaxis). Yesterday I found out that the cold AC gets my skin flaring up and caused me shortness of breath, not sure if my body is just allergic to it now. But the symptoms went away shortly after I switched the AC off. I decided to stop taking medication, even Loratadine few days ago because I realised that it helps only within a day, the next day my dermatographia would still come back if I scratch them or eat something that is high in histamine such as Apple Cider Vinegar, and something like yoghurt, I decided to stop taking them too. This is my 3rd day of Keto & Intermittent diet, which most of my food would consist of anti inflammatory food, and I eliminated all sugar, carbs, diary and gluten. Hoping that this would make my condition better. And honestly when I woke up this morning, my skin isn’t as red as it used to! Though after eating some salmon today my skin sort of flared up a little, not sure if that’s another cause. But I do believe that a healthy anti-inflammatory diet could help, even if it takes time to see results! I hope that I see better results in this for myself. Sorry for talking too much, just wanted to share, hope it could be helpful for others too! I am sooo happy I found your page, and I know that I won’t have any more crazy anxiety on dermatographia, knowing that I’m not alone in this, God bless, thank you and take care!!
xoxo,
Careen from Malaysia
Hi Careen, Thank you for your comment. I am so very sorry you too are going through this challenging skin condition. It’s hard since it’s not super well understood and I wish there was more research on it. I am not a doctor but I do feel this condition is triggered by different things for different people. One thing that I found that has helped is watching my stress level and making sure I eat a lot more anti-inflammatory foods, get rest and drink a lot of water. I hope this helps a little. Stay strong and know you are NOT alone. xoxo
My 2 year old was just diagnosed. She gets what look like welts on her legs where her car seat belt sits and the back of her knees (probably from her pants bunching). We thought it was exema since it started lightly and recently has gotten worse. Doesn’t seem to itch or bug her otherwise, just looks wild.
Thank you for your article! We’ve never heard of this before and it helps to see how others are handling.
Hi Angela, I am so glad you found my post. Many people struggle with this and it’s a very odd skin condition for sure. It looks wild for sure! But the good news is there are ways to manage it and it does get better over time. I still get skin reactions but they are not as bad as they were in the beginning. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and please reach out if you have any questions!
I developed dermatographia a few years ago after I took Benadryl to help me sleep and had an allergic reaction. I was uncontrollably itchy, nothing helped, and I couldn’t sleep. After a week of having no idea what was going on I went to the Dr. Since Benadryl was the only thing that had changed in my routine we figured it out and I was confused. And the Dr said it is kinda rare to be allergic to an allergy medicine. When I was younger I used to take it as needed with no problems. In about 5 years or more of not taking Benadryl I developed an allergy.
After getting my allergic reaction taken care of it seemed like I would randomly get hives and slightly painful itchiness. So I thought I developed another allergy and I took notes of when it happened and the little details. I went to the dr again and was refered to an allergy specialist. I did the allergy test where they put tiny dots of things that you could be allergic to (like peanuts, milk, and others) on my arms and nothing. I was a bit confused because that was supposed to give me answers. Then the dr was like “ok let’s do one more thing” and took a popsicle like stick and drew a tic-tac-toe board on me. After ten minutes you can clearly see a red T.T.T. board on me and it itched. Thirty minutes pass and its still there. Another thirty minutes can still see it. She tells me that I have Dermatographism or skin writing and prescribes me claritin to take everyday and a medical skin cream for irritated spots when needed.
That is how I found out about it. When I first looked and the tic-tac-toe board I thought “oh cool I can take notes on myself” bad idea though.
The worst part of my body to be affected would be my hands, wrists, or feet because when they become itchy it hurts. It hurts not because I scratch. I do not scratch those parts no matter what. The itchy pain is excruciating almost like a burn, very hard to explain. If I feel so much as a tickle on my hands I immediately put the medical cream on. Honestly, it makes me feel crazy.
I am so very sorry you are going through this too. When I first started getting my flare-ups my feet and hands would itch so bad. It was unbearable. So I can relate to the discomfort.
Thinking of you and if you have any other questions or anything please let me know. I cam share my experience with you.
I have been going to a comprehensive doctor that has been helping me to get my bodys systems all working well. My flare-ups aren’t as intense as before but I still do get them when I am stressed or eat foods that trigger my flare ups.
Just know it will take time to figure out what will work best for you and the flare-ups will eventually get better. It just takes time
I am so very sorry you are going through this too. I am now working with a comprehensive doctor that looks at the body as a whole. And have been having fewer and fewer reactions and feeling much better. I can relate to a lot of what you said. My feet and hands would itch so bad I would use a brush to itch them to relieve some of the pain and discomfort. I really do hope you are able to find some relief soon. Best wishes to you.
Do keep us informed about your journey! After 20 years of Benydryl, I am finally trying to treat mine as holistically as possible. Good luck!
HI Tori, sorry for the delayed response. I felt the very same way. I was taking all sorts of meds but all it was doing was masking the symptoms for me, I wanted to learn the root cause. Clearly, my body was trying to tell me something and I wasn’t listening. I did start looking into the systems of the body and also nutrition as a way of healing. It has helped me so much in the last few years. Now, with that said, I STILL do get flare-ups but they are nowhere near what I used to get. Wishing you the very best,
Alley
I love hearing about people who are also part of the 2-5 percent of the population to have this disorder (lucky us). I feel bad complaining when there are far worse conditions out there, but…. itching sucks! Like you, I remember the exact occurance of my first episode. Almost 20 years later, I am still hoping it goes away on its own.
HI Tori, Not sure if it ever will truly go away. I have yet to meet someone who’s told me they are “cured”. I think this is a chronic lifelong thing that each person has to manage the best way they know how. It’s completely frustrating since there isn’t a ton of research or information online which can make it more challenging. When I got diagnosed it took several doctor’s appointments to figure it out and I one point I asked the doctor “could this be dermatographia?” He said no. But guess he was wrong on that. Hang in there
I too have just been diagnosed with dermagraphia, the constant itching, like you have little stinging bugs all over you. An itch that you can never get, only make worse. The red, hot hives all over my body. So much histamine release at times that I have trouble breathing and my heart races.
Oh I am so very sorry to hear that you experiencing this too. It’s uncomfortable and also very frustrating. Just know that there are online resources and that you are not alone. Hang in there, it will get better over time.
All of this was so so helpful! I’m relatively new to this … but diligent on easing it! May I ask – do you still have flare ups to this day? Thank you die your honesty and insight!
Hi Jayme, I do get flare-ups from time to time but they have gotten better over the years.
Hi Alley,
I have dermographism too, I was diagnosed in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. I’m in Western Australia and although we haven’t had COVID19 bad I had my mother-in-law stranded here from the UK for four months! My specialist seems to thing that this may have been what triggered the condition. When my scratches appear I’m usually not aware that I’ve scratched myself, they usually appear on my face which can be embarrassing as people always as me, oh what have you done to your face! My scratches tend to get hot rather that itchy. Thank you for the tips on what and what not to eat, very helpful, I will give it a go along with the daily antihistamines. Can I ask, has your dentist noticed you have swollen gums as well as this seems to have also appeared over the last year or so? Sorry for the long post, just so glad to find someone with the same condition.
Thank you and take care, Karen O
Hi Karen, So sorry for my delayed response. I am a big believer that high stress for long periods can sort of activate this from starting. It does get better over time once you learn what the triggers are. But even like myself after all these years I still do get flare-ups. Not as bad as when they started but they still happen especially when my stress is elevated. I haven’t noticed anything with my gums but I can see it being connected. Best of luck and be extremely patient as you navigate through this.
Hi. I’ve been getting these everyday since April (literally every day – it’s been a nightmare). Were you also experiencing these daily when it started for you?
Hi Amy, I am sorry you have to go through this. Yes, I would get extreme flare-ups every day. It was super frustrating and I felt like I had no control over when and where they would happen. I will say that after several years I do still get flare-ups from time to time but not as bad. I would highly recommend considering eat more anti-inflammatory foods, keeping your stress down, and avoid caffeine. I found that helped me so much. Best, Alley
Hello! I am so happy to find this post and finally have an explenation for what I’m having! I have had this condition since I can remember. I am 31 now and I still take antihistamin medicine like ceterizin daily to keep this in check. I have tried a few times to stop taking the medicine, but it is so unberably itchy when I do. When I was younger it was mainly my back but now its everywhere, even palms of my hands and feet. Good news is the antihistamin really works wonders for me, bad news is that i will have to take it my whole life by the looks of it.
I am so very sorry to hear you are going through this too. It affects people so differently. Antihistamines helped me a ton but long term they did cause other issues (Like dry eyes etc). It helped when I paid attention to the triggers (like exercise and certain foods).I hope this helps.
Hii
Dii,
I m Sagar Wadhwani from India. From last three months i m suffering from dermatographism after which i consulted dermatologist and he started anti histamines medicines on me . Sometimes the condition gets worsen and its really very frustating for me . My query to u is that you completely overcome from the disease if yes than how long does it take to cure from it .
It would be very kind of you if you revert to my comment .
Thanking you
Hi Sagar,
I am sorry you are experiencing all of this too. I have not overcome this condition BUT I have learned what triggers it in my body and ways to help keep the flare-ups from popping up all the time. Writing things down really helped me notice trends in my lifestyle that were triggers for flare ups. One specifically was coffee. Every time I drank it I would get a flare-up. Hope this helps in some way.
Hello, So glad to have looked up forums for this condition and ran across you. Myself and the internet diagnosed me with this condition almost immediately. I normally don’t have sensitive skin. I started getting itchy in places at the beginning of this month. Then I noticed every time I scratched I was looking just like your pictures. After about an hour, if I can stop scratching they go away. It’s been incredibly annoying. I’m figuring emotional distress brought it on since my Stepfather got sick and died within a month on November 16th. The itching and writing on the skin goes on. I guess I may have to go to the doctors at some point but not sure they can help me. Thank you for this.
Hi Susan, I am so sorry to hear of your stepfather’s passing. My deepest condolences. I do believe from my case my condition started because of major trauma and stress I went through. After a year of trauma, I developed this. My doctor has confirmed this to be the
turn since this seems to be an issue with cortisol and the histamines in our body. I really do hope you find some relief soon. It took me several years to understand this condition in my body.
Alley,
Thanks for posting this! I recently developed dermatographism after a few stressful months. Allegra and Zyrtec have really helped but hoping to figure out those other histamine triggers. I’ve had skin issues most of my life with atopic dermatitis as a kid and then later chronic itching for a year after a bout with anemia. The skin writing is really perplexing because I don’t feel any more stressed than I have at other stressful points in my life… but who knows what’s going on.
Really appreciate you sharing your story!
K
Hi K! Glad you are finding relief with the med combination. I was on that cocktail for a long time. But then I started having issues with dry eyes etc from long-term use. I am not super careful with my personal triggers. Gluten is one of them and so is caffeine when I have too much. Since I have been more aware of this condition, I have been more careful with stress, certain exercises (like running for me was terrible for inflammation), and watching certain things that I eat. It has gotten so much better. But as soon as i get stressed my feet and hands start itching
Thank you very much for sharing!
I recently for this due to my covid booster and I’m freaking out a bit.
Hoping this is temporary but I was wondering how long your episodes last? and how do you know when to take the medication and when to stop?
Thank you,
Aura
Hi Aura, did you develop this after your booster? It could be your nervous systems response but I am not a doctor
so I wouldn’t know exactly. Hope you get relief soon.
I just want to say thank you for this post. I’ve been extremely obsessive over this condition since I woke up with this intense itching several months ago. I am now on one zyrtec every other day trying to wean off as much as possible. The thought of having this the rest of our lives is so disheartening at times, but seeing everyone else talk about their experiences is so helpful. I developed this two weeks after a booster shot and i’m not anti vax by any means, but there does seem to be a lot of people experiencing similar. So crazy
I am so sorry you are going through this too. I am no doctor but I do think certain things do trigger this in a person’s body. Maybe stress, trauma, or even medications. And I personally have had several people tell me they got this after getting the booster. There could be a connection. But we won’t know 100%. I hope you find comfort in knowing you are not alone in this. Many of us have this. Hang in there! and stay in touch!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m 46 years old, and have never been allergic to anything in my life. Then, this very June, I first had the stomach bug on the first weekend. By Monday, I was better. Mid-week I was extremely itchy (especially during and after showers) and started scratching. I noticed how ugly the line marks were. Afterwards, the itchiness went away but if anything rubs against my skin, certain clothes (ie tight workout clothes) if I pull them off, my work tote handles scraping against my arm, my dog jumping against my legs with her little claws and I have these reactions. They disappear, but it’s driving me nuts. I don’t get to see an allergist until later July because availability is limited. I’m reading all these articles on the condition. Have been taking Zyrtec and exercise almost daily. I thought it was perimenopause, then wondered if my sweat was causing all this. I went to see my physician and a dermatologist who told me both I needed to see an allergist. The dermatologist performed the scratch test and told me it’s all internal. I hope it goes away! Thanks again for being positive!
Hi Evie, I am so very sorry this is happening to you as well. It can be super frustrating when you first start having these types of reactions. I will say, since its been a few years now for me, I can really manage them way better than I did in the beginning. I can also recognizes what triggers my flare ups better now than I had in the past. Stay strong and just know you are not alone and it will get better!