Dermographism and Antihistamine Concerns

by Sara Johnny
(Michigan)

My daughter has been diagnosed with dermograghism and she is 6 years old. It just started three weeks ago. One morning she woke up with red patches on her face and chest. It slowly starts and comes often, but the red patches leave in 15-20 minutes without any trace that they were there. We took her to a pediatrician and the doctor said she has hives and told us to start Claritin. However, we did not give her Claritin, but took her to an allergist and he only said she has dermographism and prescribed Atarax syrup 5ml every 6 hours. Please let us know whether it is good idea to give her medication or do we have to wait for a few more weeks. Is medication going to make her better? Please share your thoughts.

The usual treatment to relieve the symptoms of dermographism is the use of antihistamines. I can appreciate your concern with such a young patient, but it is difficult to go against the recommendations of doctors that have diagnosed her. For many sufferers of dermographism, antihistamines help, but are not a cure. If your daughter is uncomfortable perhaps you should follow the doctor's advice. If you are still concerned about the medications, perhaps you should discuss your worries with the doctors.