What Is Dermatographia? Can a Person Be Allergic to Touch?

Touch is a fundamental element of human communication and health. By conveying a whole range of emotions, the power of touch is a testament to human's need for connection. For some people, however, physical touch could trigger uncomfortable skin marks as a response to pressure.

Dermatographia: Skin Writing

Dermatographia refers to a skin condition that causes raised marks or wheals. It develops as a response to pressure or friction, such as scratching and rubbing. It is also known as skin writing, dermatographic urticaria, and dermatographism.

Dermatographia is benign, which means that it is not a harmful condition. In fact, most people who have dermatographia may not need treatment at all, although they can talk to their healthcare provider if the symptoms bother them.

The symptoms of skin writing can differ from person to person. Generally, it is characterized by raised, discolored lines that are different or the same color as the surrounding skin. Aside from having itchy and swelling skin, an affected person may also experience inflammation and hive-like welts.

These symptoms may occur within a few minutes after the skin gets rubbed or scratched. In rare cases, the symptoms develop in the skin more slowly and can last several hours to days. The condition itself can persist for months or even years.

The marks that develop from dermatographia do not hurt, although they can be itchy. They usually go away within 30 minutes, even without treatment. Sometimes, a person may feel self-conscious or uncomfortable until the scratches fade.

Although it is not harmful, dermatographia is a common condition that can be experienced by about 2-5% of the general population. It can affect anyone, especially teenagers or those in their 20s.People with dry skin or atopic dermatitis (eczema can also easily acquire it).

What Causes Dermatographia?

Healthcare providers and medical researchers are still not sure about the natural causes of dermatographia. While it is believed to be caused by an allergic reaction, no specific allergen has been found.

Simple activities may trigger the symptoms of skin writing. For instance, rubbing from the clothes or bed sheets can irritate the skin. Fortunately, it is not contagious and will not spread to another person through skin-to-skin contact.

Persons with severe symptoms may be advised to take antihistamine capsules or prescription Cromolyn to help block the reaction. Moisturizers also help reduce the swelling and irritation.

Experts conclude that dermatographia may be caused by heat, cold, vibrations, and certain medications such as penicillin. Stress can also worsen the symptoms of skin writing, so reducing stressful activities may help prevent flare-ups.

There is also a theory that dermatographia could be an autoimmune disease. Some healthcare providers and medical experts believe skin irritation could be an inappropriate response from a person's immune system. This happens when the immune system registers pressure or scratching as an allergen. As a result, it sends chemical histamine to the area of the body where pressure is appliedtoo remove the allergen from the body.