Possible Dermagraphism site
I’ve always been one to talk about my dermagraphism because I’ve been dealing with it since 2000 and there just isn’t that much information out there on it. As a matter of fact, I haven’t gone searching recently but did today to see if any new information had come out and none has. There is still the exact same stuff that was out on the net four years ago! It’s sort of an information crisis. No one knows where to turn for information on how to handle it and what drugs might help. It’s the little details that are missing from the information that is available.
And there aren’t any personal sites really devoted to dermagraphism. I mean, my photos of it pop up like the 3rd entry on Google, which is just crazy. So, on Jason and Kaydee’s suggestion, I’m going to figure out hosting, buy the domain(s) and start putting up a community on the net for it. I’m going to share everything I shared in my email to Kaydee about it and add whatever else I can find. This also means that I’m going to be putting my research skills to the test and heading down to the BIG library downtown and do some heavy duty searching. I’m just tired of people not knowing anything about this skin issue. And it’s to the point that even doctors are sort of clueless. Kaydee’s doctor didn’t prescribe her hydroxyzine, which is a known drug for dermagraphism. And there are so many little things that help that no doctor will tell you but only someone who lives with dermagraphism can. I guess you can say this has become my pet cause.
Ironically, I found out that dermagraphism.com, .net, and .org plus a million of the lower domain levels are all available. So my next step is to start figuring out how to get everything working in the direction I need so that I can buy the domains, get the info up, and have hosting taken care of on all my sites. It’s a tall order. Sounds like fun! Lol… If anyone has any suggestions, comments, or would like to help just leave a comment and I’ll respond, like always! 
February 19th, 2004 at 11:23 pm
HOSTROCKET!!!
February 20th, 2004 at 5:12 am
i just went to google and it said to type DermOgraphism and it came up with all this stuff
February 20th, 2004 at 5:18 am
Gee ive always wondered what it was called that my skin does, what i usually do with it to stop it itching so much is use cornflour on it, i seem to have a different form on what you say you have but it is all under the same heading of Urticaria.
Great website to go to if you want to find out about it http://www.dermnetnz.org/index.html
February 20th, 2004 at 10:21 am
That sounds like a wonderful idea. It’s not the same but I know what the itching all the time is like. I have chronic hives, so I live on Zyrtec.
April 24th, 2004 at 6:40 pm
I am a 34 year old male who has had this since oct 2002. I just went to this allergist in Atlanta. He prescribed this drug called Doxepin. It an antidepressant that has more antihistamine then Zyrtec which I have been taking since 2002. I havent taken it yet because I am nervous about the side effects. The Dr. said they are mild side effects but they sound worse then they probably are. Has anyone taken this script? please let me know. One other piece of info he said it can last up to 2 years or it may never go away. There is no known cause. Any more info would be appreciated.
July 5th, 2004 at 8:09 pm
Hi!
I have had dermagraphism since i can rmember. It first was realised when i was about 8 years old (I’m not 20) It is one of the most aggrivating things on earth but amazingly i have learned to deal with it. I was wondering if anyone knew where it come from or caused by. My doctor told me a few things but i dont know what to believe anymore. because I am a biology major I have done some experiments and ahve researched this more indepth. My conclusion is Its a simple bustr of your bodies antibistimines (spelling). Just like when your bitten by a misquito. Your body (hist) go to the site you were scrateched, or in my case even touched, to help protect it….
Anyways any further info can help~
Email me!
July 5th, 2004 at 8:12 pm
Just found out 5 seconds ago, the correct spelling is dermatographism….
August 18th, 2004 at 8:21 pm
hi there..im 32 f and a fellow dermographism sufferer, and like most of you i havent been told much about the condition, just that it should go away and to keep taking antihistamines. But i tell ya, it drives me crazy and with summer coming up im a little bit worried about scratch marks all over me. Ah well this has been good finding out a bit more about it so thanks. I saw a pic of someone who wrote their name on their skin …i might try that lol CHEERS
October 5th, 2004 at 6:17 pm
Like Eric, my doctor prescribed Doxepin since August 2002. The only side affect I can attribute to this is it does make you sleepy, therefore, take it at night. I take it about 6:30 each night. If I take it later, it’s a little difficult waking up at 5am. Another possible side affect could be weight gain. Since I’ve been taking this medicine I have gained weight. However, the weight gain could be from my thyroid condition which came to pass about a year ago. I have taken Zyrtec but it gave me an extreme headache. Right now, another doctor has prescribed Cingulair and he told me it may take 1 - 2 months before I notice any change. In all honesty, Doexpin has seem to keep it at bay and an occasional Benadryl during the day helps too. I’ve tried going without the Doxepin for a few days and it’s ok. Then about the 4th day if I scratch, the welts are very big and extremely red. And like everyone else suffering with Urticaria Dermagraphism, it can last a month it could last a lifetime. According to my latest doctor visit on Sept 24, 2004, we could spend thousands of dollars looking for a needle in a hay stack.
On another note, in my quest for answers, I read that this could also be related to a thyroid problem. However, this statement is controversial in the medical field. Some doctors agree, others disagree. At this moment, I want to agrre just becasue I’m dealing with both.
Eric, I know this is probably more information than what you were expecting or wanted. Either way, I hope you find it useful.
If anyone has any other information, please pass it along. I’m sure we’re all tired of walking around with red spots.
Kim Azoy
Tampa, Florida
October 5th, 2004 at 6:47 pm
Just checking in again. Thanks for the info. I actually have hyperthyroidism and have had it since 1996. My thyroid Dr. Said it is also called hashimotos thyroiditis. Doesn’t that sound funky? It just means that my thyroid makes to much TSH. My Doc thinks that attributes to the wonderful Dermagraphism.
I have still been taking the Zyrtec. I am going to ask for the cingulair. I pop benadryls like candy. They seem to help. The most annoying thing about this is if I am at work and touch my face or scratch my arm or any little thing it turns into a hive. And I am tired of having to explain to people what it is. I screped my arm really bad on a sharp objest and my arm looked like the excorcist. Then 15 minutes later it was gone. Probably to much information but i NEED TO VENT. I am tired of this. Always looking for new info. If anyone has any questions email me at evg1994@aol.com Eric in Atlanta GA
November 28th, 2004 at 1:21 am
I have recently learned that my 6 year old son has this. He had never shown signs of allergies before. However, now he can’t even look at grass without breaking out and turning bright red! What can I do for him? His Dr. said that there really is nothing to do for it but take Benedryl. Help?
January 11th, 2005 at 12:55 pm
My 25 year old son was diagnosed by a leading dermatolagist one year ago. His skin thickens, he gets large boils under the skin, he says it feels like ants are stinging him all the time, the skin will crack open and ooze blood. He is miserable most of the time. His main problem in having to deal with this is he is allergic to most medicines that his doctors have prescribed. His main dermatolagist has traveled the United States teaching and he says he has never seen such an extreme case as my son has. He is supposed to wear light pajama bottoms under his pants to keep the fabric of any trousers from touching him. He is to wear a light t type shirt under his shirt. But do you know how awful that is in the summer. Plus he is allergic to so many other things that irritate the skin. If he carries coins in his pants pockets, his legs will break out because he is allergic to all metals. The doctors tell us that we had better hope he never needs surgery, because of his allergies, especially latex and stainless steel. I know that he is miserable all of the time and I am at a loss. I just wish someone would come up with one thing that would help just a little. If I had one prayer for my son, it would be for him to have one day when he did not have to worry about how awful he feels.
January 12th, 2005 at 4:51 pm
just like you all here i have had this since 1986 (NAVY) never again volenteer yourself haha anyway it really sucks and the only two things i have ever used are a drug called ATARAX and hydroxine nothing else works for me
January 30th, 2005 at 11:40 am
Have lived with Dermagraphism for 5 years now and know exactly what caused mine - penicillin. I was prescribed it about a week before I first contracted Urticaria. What confirmed it was another dose of Penicillin in 2004, My skin went crazy. Penicillin is a known cause of urticaria judging from the few sites I’ve found.
As to help, I’ll tell you what I have found. Firstly don’t scratch (boy do I know how hard that is!!), take a cool shower or put ice on the affected area. I got the following about why it itches from from a website -
“In the urticaria-prone person, these triggers cause the body to release chemical mediators, including histamine, from cells. Histamine (which causes itchy, runny noses and watery eyes in hay fever sufferers) dilates the walls of blood vessels, allowing fluids to leak out into the surrounding tissues. Swelling and itching are the result.”
Also, I see that a number of people are still using Zirtec, there is a next generation drug on the market, from the same drug company, called Xyzal. I have found that alternating the use of Zirtec and Xyzal helps me. As I am in the UK I don’t know if the drug names are the same but the pharmaceutical name for Xyzal is Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride.
There was also another great drug on the market called Tefenadine in the UK, it was withdrawn because of some danger or another and I nearly cried as I only had to take one a week (even though it said one a day). However they have bought out a new drug (have a packet here - haven’t tried it yet) called Telfast over here (Fexofenadine). Hope this info helps someone.
Last, a word of warning. I was taking 3 Zirtec or Xyzal a day. I mentioned this to the doctor and he said 2 is OK but 3 is pushing it and that these drugs can have an adverse effect on your liver if you take too much over a long period of time (so I have cut back to one a day and try to resist taking hot baths!!)
Starting a website for this is a great idea, I would sunscribe. Anything that can help with this miserable condition has got to be worth the sub fee.
February 5th, 2005 at 12:48 pm
I am a 3 year sufferer of demotographism, it started after I had an allergic reaction to an insect bite (I don’t know what bit me) I take presciption allegra daily and it seems to control the outbreaks, I have the pressure type , even drying off with a towel sets it off, I have just learned not to scratch. My doctors were clueless , my diagnosis came from some internet info I took with me to the doctor later, until then he did not know what was going on and had me on steroids.(?)I do not have a thyroid condition, and am realativly healthy. I am wondering if there are any others out there that began with an insect bite.
February 8th, 2005 at 9:09 pm
It’s Eric again…
Very interesting regarding atibiotics. I have taken several doses of Z PAV or Zithromax for sinus infections. It seems to flare up after. I am wondering if there is some type of connection. Zpac is a form of erythromycin not penecillin. I am very curious. Please let me know if any one finds out anything. Also, I have been fighting with AETNA to pay for my 60 Zyrtec a month and they wont. They find every excuse not to pay for certain allergy drugs or put limits on them. Until next time…
February 14th, 2005 at 10:14 am
My husband has had this condition for years. You can write your name on his skin. Has been or Zyrtec with some good results, but never good enough. I feel so helpless, because I can find nothing to help him. We have tried a naturopath. Tried sulfer, nuxvomica, did not help much. We tried an ellimination diet, found some foods he was sensitive to, like milk, did not help condition but cleared up his acne.
He was exposed to some fairly high levels of tch (dry cleaning solvent)from a local industry during his outbreak period, this is poluting the air and he breathed it for years before we knew about it. Also has Chrones disease since his teens. He is 47 now.
March 16th, 2005 at 1:00 pm
Thank you for this site! I was diagnosed with this in February 05 after a reaction to a insect or spider bite. I went through 2 sets of steriods before going to a specialist who immediately said that I had dermagraphism. I’ve been dealing with this since October 04 and it is driving me crazy. I’m taking Sinquine at night and Clarinex during the day. Sometimes I take a Benadryl at night too. I take cool showers and my diet is awful. The specialist told me not eat anything with yellow 5 or yellow 6. Look up salisilate. He told me to be careful with foods that have this in it. Tomatoes, fruit (except bananas and pears), pickles, seasonings and much more. I can eat meat, lettuce and cheese with ranch dressing. Milk, chocolate, bread, some nuts, peanutbutter, (Not almonds), bananas, pears, water, coffee but not cokes and fruit drinks. You have to read the labels and check closely for the yellow. It is in most snacks. I was eating cheese grits and I had a reaction. It was the yellow dye. Most candies, chips and snacks. I drink a lot of water!!!! I was doing better and not itching and watching everything I ate. I bought some vitamins and took them for a week and I’m having a bad reaction at this time. I checked the calcium and the A-Z vitamin and they both contain the yellow dye. The doctor also told me to be careful with the medicine when ordering because a lot of medicines have the yellow in them. I have to always get the purest form with out dyes in all drugs and this cost more. I have also gained weight, about 15 pounds. All of your stories are helpful. Thank you.
March 16th, 2005 at 1:00 pm
Thank you for this site! I was diagnosed with this in February 05 after a reaction to a insect or spider bite. I went through 2 sets of steriods before going to a specialist who immediately said that I had dermagraphism. I’ve been dealing with this since October 04 and it is driving me crazy. I’m taking Sinquine at night and Clarinex during the day. Sometimes I take a Benadryl at night too. I take cool showers and my diet is awful. The specialist told me not eat anything with yellow 5 or yellow 6. Look up salisilate. He told me to be careful with foods that have this in it. Tomatoes, fruit (except bananas and pears), pickles, seasonings and much more. I can eat meat, lettuce and cheese with ranch dressing. Milk, chocolate, bread, some nuts, peanutbutter, (Not almonds), bananas, pears, water, coffee but not cokes and fruit drinks. You have to read the labels and check closely for the yellow. It is in most snacks. I was eating cheese grits and I had a reaction. It was the yellow dye. Most candies, chips and snacks. I drink a lot of water!!!! I was doing better and not itching and watching everything I ate. I bought some vitamins and took them for a week and I’m having a bad reaction at this time. I checked the calcium and the A-Z vitamin and they both contain the yellow dye. The doctor also told me to be careful with the medicine when ordering because a lot of medicines have the yellow in them. I have to always get the purest form with out dyes in all drugs and this cost more. I have also gained weight, about 15 pounds. All of your stories are helpful. Thank you.
March 16th, 2005 at 1:29 pm
oops! I didn’t mean to send my reponse twice. The word is “salicylate” that is in lots of foods. I mispelled it above. Good Luck to all if finding relief! Debbie
March 21st, 2005 at 2:39 pm
I also have dermagraphism in now 42 . I’ve gotten use to it. I don’t even take anything for it anymore. I was terrible when i came down with it several years ago but it seems to have gotten alot better. Don’t scratch, its the best thing you can do for it.
June 3rd, 2005 at 12:00 pm
My husband has this problem. He didn’t have it before he went into the Navy. He thinks a shot they gave him caused it. Does anyone know what causes it? I can’t find any consistant cause.
July 18th, 2005 at 1:44 pm
Hi,
Three years ago, following surgery I developed my first case of dermgraphism. I just had more surgury on 7/6/o5 and itv returned. i am ready to climb out of my skin. i am on atarax,benedryl,and pepsid. i was even started on low dose prednisone. If you have any ideas, please let me know.
thank you,
Jacqui
July 21st, 2005 at 6:28 pm
I was just sent to the allergist with dermagraphism. Some days I am ok, others I am not. Benadryl, Loratadine, and Zyrtec are the best drugs for me. Zyrtec is by far the best. It seems to me that I get “itchy” the most on the back of my neck. I know what you guys are saying…it is so embarrassing..especially when you get wheals and red marks on your face. One person I know with the same condtion says that they think that this is an indicator of poor health in the future (immune system). Stressful conditions sometimes worsen the condition, my allergist said.
How did you guys first notice the condition. It started underneath my watch. Now the skin underneath my watch never itches, maybe I became desenstitized. If I wear a bracelet on the other hand,though, I itch and break out with large wheals. I have had this problem for about a month, and it seems like it is going away. I haven’t had to take a zyrtec in about a week.
what is the difference between pressure-induce uticaria and dermagraphism???
September 15th, 2005 at 12:39 pm
What a relief to know I am not the only person in the world suffering with this very anoying health condition.
I live in Mexico for a few years and when I came back to the US, I drove 3,000 miles to get to my destination in northen US, I first though it was a fongus on my srotum for spednig too muhc time on the car, but then I first started to get itchy once we move to a house. I still believe is something on the house. maybe a previous house pet or a mold, I do not really know.
I have tried, Clarinex and Zyrtec, Zyrtec works better for me. I just can not tolerate the side effects; terrible headaches, bad mood, low energy. It is just not the life style I used to have, and I am very frustated. I just cant cope with the idea of having to take a pill forever, I have always been healthy.
My symptoms start with itching on the back of the neck , then it goes down to the scrotum, which is very difficul to handle, I hate to be srtching donw there, is is very emarrasing, specialy at work. Then lower back, foremarms, then maybe my thighs.
Has anyone tried Histarix, it is non prescription and is is suppsed to get rid of alltogether? I have not yet, any suggestion?
April 21st, 2006 at 5:00 am
I have had dermagraphism as long as my memory can go back…. I remember my young friends and I playing tic tac toe on my legs when we were bored… I was not diagnosed until recently when my symptoms have worsened.(I’m now 40). I now cary two epi-pens as my alergist is conserned with a restriction feeling I sometimes get when the hives run up my neck. I am investigating any food sensitivities that may trigger additional outbreaks. I dont have any vital information to share but wanted to mention to the Moms that are searching for ways to help there children..Please consider always making sure your children have nice high quality cotton sheets no old ones that ball up, no scratchy blankets even the fuzzy ones can irritate..I suggest dad is clean shaven before snuggling..nothing like a nine o’clock shadow rubbing against my face to break me out. And I would spare them from over bathing…Itchy sweaters, tight elastic, and any other avoidable things that can irritate. I would also suggest allergy testing and watching for food sensitivities if you notice every time your child eats cantalope etc…Also in my case some of my outbreaks are now stress related… And lastly I have tested allergic to two types of dust mites so keeping my area as clean as possible helps me.. My point being trying to figure out some of your childs actual triggers can eliminate some of the discomfort. And lastly with this supposingly effecting up to 5% of the population it sure does seem like we would all have more information at our finger tips doesnt it.. Thank you very much for this site.
April 28th, 2006 at 5:45 pm
I was just diagnosed today, but have had the symptoms for almost four years. The dermagraphism started after I had a severe allergic reaction to buckwheat, I was under alot of stress and also gained 25 pounds during this time. It is a pain but it does not effect my daily life.
I am lucky to live close to one of the best hospitals in the country and when I explained my symptoms, my doctor new exactly what I was talking about. It was the first time I did not feel crazy.
I am going for blood work on Monday. So I will see what results come of that.
I did notice when I eat or drink stuff that is high in additves and preservatives I will have a really bad reaction.
I will talk to my doctor more after my blood work comes back if he comes up with something new I will write again.
May 12th, 2006 at 8:32 am
Hey guys!!!
I’ve been living with Dermagraphism for 14years. I take Claritin D every 3 days and it helps the itiching, but I hate that my skin looks so ugly when I itch and swell up. Marks all over my body. I can not wear clothes that show alot of my body b/c I mark up with just people touching me or clothes on me. I don’t know I hate it and I just want 2 find something that can STOP all this maddness.
August 7th, 2006 at 8:21 pm
It’s Eric checking in again.
I am afraid to say it but I think it went away. I have been scrathing my arm every day waiting for the hives but so far so good. I was told by the allergist that it can go away in 2-4 years and I think it has now been 4 years. I hope it doesnt come back. If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me. evg1994@aol.com
Eric
August 18th, 2006 at 8:36 am
Hi, I’ve had dermagraphism for about 30 years. It is everything all of you said … but mostly ANNOYING!! I have taken “hydroxyzine HCL” (very cheap antihistamine - but you have to have a prescription) for many years and it seems to control my histimane over-reaction. I take 25mg in the morning and 50 to 75mg at bedtime. At first no one knew what was wrong with me. I tried this and that, and no relief. FINALLY, my gyno had the answer! I just happened to mention it one day. He studied it in med school. Anyway, they had a lot of fun drawing on my back and watching the red marks. He said it was most likely from taking a synthetic antibiotic. Year later, another doctor told me the same thing, and said I should limit my use of antibiotics unless it was absolutely necessary. I took his advice, but I still have this lousy condition! So I just take the medicine and live with it. I also have hypothroidism, which started about the same time. I’ve always wondered if my thyroid problem was due to radioactive fall-out from all that nuclear testing our military did back in the 50’s/60’s…. :O! Anyway, thanks for all your notes. It is comforting to know that “I’m not the only one” dealing with this aggrivating problem!! God bless….. (any comments email me at: Leggren@sbcglobal.net)
November 9th, 2006 at 9:27 pm
It’s Eric and guess what? Its Back. I knew as soon as i posted it that it would come back. Just started a few weeks ago. I am so pissed.
My neck has been so itchy but I guess I will take zyrtec and benadyl/ So much for the 2-4 theory. Thats it for now, If anyonr has any good ideas let me know.
Eric
evg1994@aol.com
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:20 pm
I was diagnosed with dermatographism back in June 2006. It just started one day and I have been dealing with it ever since. It does get better and I may go days without one welt but it always comes back. I was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes last February and was prescribed Glipizide which at first was what I thought was causing it but my doctor does not believe that is the problem. I also have had a history of high LDH which has spanned over the last 25 years and only keeps getting higher and higher. The last time it was taken it was well over 1000. I have had many tests to try and figure out what is causing the high LDH to include tests for lupus, rhematoid arthritis etc. but all have been negative. My doctor did give me a antihistamine known as periactin which does help when I take it but also makes me tired and he wants me to take it 3 times a day which just does not work with my busy schedule. Right now as I type, I am itching all over my torso and legs. It also appears on my arms but rarely on my face. It’s like it just picks certain places at different times to erupt. Anyway, I wonder if it is connected to your immune system in some way. Maybe some sort of a autoimmune disorder? I do know one thing , it drives you nuts. I feel better in knowing that others have had the same problem but also do not wish this on anyone. I guess it is nice to be able to empathize with others.
March 16th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Hi! I was told a few weeks ago from an allergist that I have dermagraphia. It is driving me crazy. I took 21 days of oral prednisone with a taper and now am taking hydrozene… 25 mg in the pm. It doesn’t feel like it’s any better, so I am going to the dermatologist on Monday. I pray he can help me.. I can’t even wear jewelry or dry myself with a towel without red welts forming. I sympathize with everyone who is going thru this…
April 15th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
I have sympathy for all of you as I am a dermagraphism sufferer as well. I have suffered from this for as long as I can remember. I would say atleast 10 years. My doctor prescribed me Allegra which at that time I did not feel it was working, so when I went off of it I then found out it really was. As much as I itched while I was taking it I wanted to tear my skin off while I wasn’t. When my doctor told me I had it he told me he had no idea why, or when it would go, just that it would go. Well I am still waiting. The funny part was that I wanted to get pregnant and I could not do so on Allegra. I did not know how I was going to live through that. He assured me that when I was with child my body would regulate itself and it did (during guestation). However after having the baby it was same old same old (by the way she is now almost five) and I still itch. The only other fact he told me which I have never heard much else about. Is that in having dermagraphism you have more protien in your blood than someone without it. So that I should not donate blood because it would pass it along. I have often thought of donating blood because it is much needed. However I would never want to give this annoyance to anyone.
May 5th, 2007 at 4:31 am
I have had 2 severe flareups in my life and my allergist used multiple drugs to get it under control. Both times I was taking 2 Allegra and 1 pepcid in the AM, 2 Zyrtec, 2 Singular, 1 pepcid and 1 Doxipin in the evening. These were all added gradually to find which “cocktail” worked for me. Also, initially, the first week, when it was extremely severe the MD gave me a shot of Epinephrine and put me on a couple of days of Prednisone to get it quickly under control.
I took these drugs a couple of weeks and then weaned myself off. It seemed to work both times.
I have noticed that both times of these outbreaks took place in the Spring. This past month, I am noticing a very mild case starting to happen so I started with Allegra and pepcid(which also has an antihistamine effect on hives) and this seems to be keeping it under control.
I have made an appt with Johns Hopkins Allergy CLinic so I will post after these world renown docs give me some information.
Deidre
June 4th, 2007 at 6:41 am
WOW, this is the first time I got into this ITCHY website. I have had demagraphism for thirty years. I lived on Hydroxyzine. It always makes me sleepy and when I was still working I had to go to the bathroom, sit on the toilet and somehow took 40 winks of sleep. This spring (2007) is the worst…I itch, I itch, I itch. The itch travels from an arm to every part of my body, especially my back, thighs and calves. I have now seen an immunologist (?) who told me to stop the hydroxyzine and start Benadryl tabs every four hours. I’ll be seeing him in two weeks and two days before I’m supposed to stop all antihistamines so he can do a thorough skin test and do the food elimination too. My doctor is into natural remedies. I’ll report what happens.
June 7th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Hello, My 9 year old Daughter Tori has had this for 4 years now and I don’t know what to do for her anymore!!! Her allergist put her on Zyrtec but it doesn’t help everything she touches makes her breakout and all she does is cry. We were told this would only last a year but now we are going on year number 4. Is there a time line on this or what?
July 31st, 2007 at 6:44 am
Hi, my daughter has the same condition since 10 after a flu shot. It’s been 4 years now. She is on daily medication and I am counting on God to heal her, when all else fails.
August 6th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
I have had derm for approx. 14 years. why we got it? how to get rid of it? I can only say for 14 yrs. cyproheptadine, generic for periactin has been a GREAT BLESSING!!!! take 1 to 2 hours before bed time and you will survive normally. bless you all .. don’t you just hate all those commercials that sa, “keep scratching” for lotteries.
August 20th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
It’s unfortunate to find this many sufferers but at least I’m not alone. I was referred to an allergist who diagnosed me with dry skin and said I was making those marks with my fingernails. I felt she was insinuating I had Munchhausen syndrome. Finally a surgeon noticed the marks and asked me what they were. I told him I didn’t know and he said I had dermagraphia because he has it too. Finally a diagnosis and pictures from the internet that look exactly like my skin. Allegra and Claritin didn’t help but Atarax does. I take a tab anywhere from 1 - 3 days apart, whenever the welts start. They turn bright red and the skin gets hot. Sometimes I can feel the burn before I see them. It is very annoying but apparently not serious. I hope a cause is found. Great website.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:31 am
i have had dermographism for 6 years. started when i was 15 …and caused me serious depression/anxiety. i’m now 22 and still suffering. dermographism is contagious and can be transferred to almost anyone through sweat!!!-seriously. its probably how alot of you became infected with this disease. i have had multiple blood tests over the years to rule out std’s and other illnesses. i’m a heavy sweater so i try to not to shake peoples hands when mine are sweaty..no one deserves to live like this and its made me attempt suicide twice. i don’t even try to meet girls anymore as i feel like a bloody freak!!!-i take no drugs and my hives have been reduced to just red marks/skin writing-i prey i will be cured before i die so i can live life like a normal person..feel your pain and there should be a site where dermo’s can hook up. but seriously check it out on someone that u fucken hate. and i mean THAT YOU FUCKEN HATE!!!!!-lol laters!
August 27th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Has anyone tried Histarix? I’m just been recently diagnosed with this and am already going crazy. I’ve seen multiple Dr’s, allergists, and dermatologists and they have been useless. I can’t imagine living like this for the rest of my life and need to figure out any type of solution. THanks!
October 3rd, 2007 at 12:55 am
Two years ago I woke in the middle of the night with a grinding pain in my chest. The next day I began itching all over my body. After a few months the chest problem was diagnosed as Barrett’s Esophagus (even though I’d never had heartburn). The dermagraphism wasn’t diagnosed until after about six months of misery when my doctor finally sent me to an allergist who recognized it immediately. He gave me my life back when he prescribed Zyrtek. I take it once a day and have no side effects. If its efficacy seems to be wearing off I change to Claratin for a bit but always go back to Zyrtek. Right now I’m itching like CRAZY because every once in a while I try to go off the meds to test to see if it’s gone away. No such luck yet. I find it odd/suspicious that these two conditions first occurred within a day of one another. I used to have rather bad allergies but they don’t act up at all since I stopped eating wheat, corn (and related grains) and dairy products as the suggestion of my acupuncturist. It was like a miracle! Eliminating those foods is very inconvenient but worth the effort. I’ve been to France and Italy in the last three years and ate lots of bread and pastries there but had no negative reactions. Hmm. I had a VERY stressful job when this all began. I took a Zyrtek a few minutes ago & the symptoms are already subsiding. I have a great deal of sympathy for all of you. Good luck to us all. Hope someone comes up with a way to cure this condition!
November 1st, 2007 at 10:55 pm
try vitamin C and vitamin B6
February 2nd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Dermagraphia, aka dermographia, dermatographia, dermagraphism and others, literally means skin (derm) writing (graphia). Two to 5% of the population have it. As with all conditions, there is a wide range of symptoms in people affected with it. It may vary from occasional minor cosmetic effect to severe discomfort. Fotunately most of the time it is on the minor side (which does not help with those more severly affected). There is no medicine that will cure it. It may last from a few months to a few years or for a lifetime. There is no known cause. Pressure on the skin causes mast cells to release histamine resulting in red marks and welts. Multiple antihistamines are available to help control the symptoms. One may work better for an individual sufferer than another. Trial and error may help in finding the best for you. Be wary of testimonials about cause and effect. There are always events in our life. Illnesses or conditions coincidentally following these events are not necessarily the cause. All medications have side effects. Make sure that the side effects are not worse than the condition.
I hope this gives some insight to this condition.
SAS
June 28th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Ive had this dermagraphia for six months now, its unbearable. It stings and burns. Ive had two courses of prednisolone and take four piriton a day. It makes it a little less itchy but even my clothes bring me up in hideous welts. I have to bathe and wash my face two hours before i leave the house so that I dont look like something off a horror movie. Its spoiling my life, im finding it so hard to adjust to this condition. I avoid cuddling my husband and children because its so uncomfortable and painful. I just want to be normal again. Ive also had really severe asthma attacks since this began. I have about four a day. I also feel really tired and ache all the time. If anyone has any advice, Id be really greatfull.
Abbie
July 15th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Plz help. My daughter who is 19 now, and since she’s been around 10, get this condition around once a year. She breaks out in red marks on face arms and back and legs, all over. But not at once, it appears and looks like someone scratched her. When it happens it give her a burning sensatiion on that spot. It does not itch her. It only last a few seconds, and disappear and in a few second later or minutes it appears again in another area. Her ears will also get very red. We have gone to the doctors, but they always say its stress, and we know its not. Also when I take her at other times, it doesn’t appear while we are there. Can anyone help me. Please email me at mundoazteca@aol.com I need answers. thank you
July 25th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Forum attendes,
I was diagnosed with dermagraphism in about 1988. I still have it and have taken doxepin with excellent results this entire time. I still get “itchy” if I don’t take the medication for a couple of days. My hands and feet start to burn and itch from what feels like under my skin -(I’m told -nerve endings are more sensitive here). Eventually I get uncomfortable in other places too.
I started out taking 50mg and now have it down to 10mg. I take one pill before I go to bed each night. I can’t say that I have any side effects.
Best of luck.