Is Dermographism an Autoimmune Disease?

Dermographism (also called dermatographia, dermatographic urticaria, dermatographic hives, or writing on the skin) is a condition that produces red, itchy bumps or raised lines on the skin, and is considered a type of hives. The marks usually appear after the skin is irritated by scratching, rubbing, pressure, or another form of contact. Some people experience dermographism with autoimmune diseases.

This article will discuss dermographism, the connection to autoimmune disease, causes, treatments, and more.

How Dermographism Works

Up to 5% of people experience dermographism. It happens when the skin is irritated by contact, such as pressure, scratching, or rubbing. Red, itchy bumps appear within five to seven minutes of contact and typically last for 15 to 30 minutes. In some cases, they can last up to a couple of hours.

There may be a connection between dermographism and autoimmune response, but this relationship is not fully understood.

There are various triggers for hives, such as allergic reactions to foods or viral infections. Physical irritation or contact with the skin is the trigger for dermographism. When the irritation occurs, a chemical in the body called histamine is released and attacks the area as if it were trying to protect the body from harm, leading to hives.

Dermographism Causes

It is not always clear why some people experience hives after contact with an irritant, but an allergy or underlying disease could be the cause. Many people with autoimmune disease experience hives, and it is believed that there is a link between autoimmune disease and dermographism. Other causes of this condition include:

• Pressure
• Rubbing
• Scratching
• Tight clothing

Additional factors that may lead to dermographism or that make hives more likely to appear after irritation include:

• Extreme temperatures (heat or cold)
• Physical activity or exercise
• Stress (physical or emotional)
• Vibration

Symptoms

The most common symptom of dermographism is red, itchy bumps on the skin. Since the reaction occurs in response to physical contact, the marks usually appear in lines or patterns where the skin is scratched. The word "dermatographia" translates to "writing on the skin" and is how the condition got its name.

Dermographism symptoms include:

• Swelling or inflammation
• Raised red lines
• Hive-like welts
• Itching
  

Treatment

Dermographism typically goes away on its own and doesn't require treatment. However, there are treatments to help cope with the discomfort of symptoms. Medications called antihistamines can be used to relieve the itch by blocking the histamine response that leads to hives. Anti-itch creams can be applied directly to the skin and may help relieve symptoms, but are generally not as effective as oral antihistamines.

A healthcare professional, such as a primary care provider, an allergist, or a dermatologist, can recommend specific treatment options.

Prevention

First-line therapy, avoiding triggers, and second-generation oral antihistamines are effective treatment options for dermographism. People experiencing dermographism can also try preventive strategies to avoid symptoms.

Summary

Dermographism is a form of hives that occurs when the skin is scratched, rubbed, or irritated, leading to itchy, red bumps that last for about 30 minutes. Since dermographism is a reaction to direct contact it can show up in patterns like scratch lines.

The connection between dermographism and autoimmune disease is not fully understood. For some patients, the main presenting symptom of an undiagnosed new autoimmune condition is dermographism or hives. When the autoimmune condition is treated, the dermographism and hives often also go into remission.

This condition does not always need to be treated because symptoms go away quickly, but treatment and prevention options may help to provide relief and decrease the chances of the hives returning.

A Word From Verywell

Living with dermographism can be challenging, especially when the condition becomes frequent and/or comes and goes for a long time. The symptoms can be uncomfortable. If you or someone you know is experiencing dermographism, talk to your provider about prevention and treatment options.