Dermatographism and the Hives – Reader's Blog

Dermatographism or physical urticaria is a skin condition that produces raised hives, a rash, or welts on the skin. These welts usually appear as a result of friction or pressure applied to the skin. In many cases, the condition can be controlled somewhat. Treatments usually involve an assortment of prescription and non-prescription antihistamines.

However, there is no cure for this skin condition. In addition, determining an exact cause for this skin problem is also extremely difficult. Therefore, dealing with dermatographism and the raised hives is very problematic for individuals and their doctors.

One method that can be used to help individuals that suffer from dermatographism or hives is to read other people’s experiences. The purpose of this web page is to provide individuals with other people’s personal experiences with this skin or hives problem and to examine the questions that individuals commonly have with regards to dermatograhism and the hives caused by this condition. Various individuals, doctors, and other experts in the field provide answers for these questions.

Keep in mind that the information on dermatographism and hives provided below is for information purposes only. It forms part of an overall treatment plan for the hives that should include consultations with a dermatologist.

I'm sixteen and until I got this disease I had perfect clear skin so it has really affected me. I use to love my face and now my jaw line is covered in red itchy bumps that are impossible to conceal. People worry that it's contagious and I can't tell them whether it is or not because I don't know. I can't get rid of it and it just won’t go away!

Mardi – October 4, 2009

Al, I hope you're checking your post from June. I would like to hear more about what you're facing/experiencing on this. I have had outbreaks since completion of an implant several months ago. It's completely random. I get welts on part of my lip or cheek and it moves around in different spots. Co-workers think I've been bitten or stung by an insect when it occurs. This happens every two weeks or so and there is no set pattern related to diet or the usual food triggers such as nuts, etc.

I've been generally healthy. As a kid I reacted to too many marshmallows with a case of hives but it never occurred again until 40 years later. The only thing I think of is the major dental work that I've had recently that could be related and found your post. Thanks!

Gordon – September 13, 2009

I am very glad to have come across this forum. I have been suffering from this itching for a long time now. I was always afraid to bathe because each time I would bathe my whole body would itch for 15 minutes, seriously! I could remember that I cried sometimes and wondered what the hell the infection was. I was happy to read on this site today that it is not a serious case.

I am happy to say that I can happily enter into the bath recently without problems afterwards and I do believe it is the result of a few herbs I came across, but my body still itches when in bed or when it is too cold.

I got a solution which I have tried once but too weird to continue with. If I do not have any other options, I will try the solution for a few days more and give you feed back on how it worked. If it works great, I will share the information with you all. It is weird and I bet you might not like to do it. I will get back to you.

Rufai Akeem – August 30, 2009

My name is Daniel and I have had this hives problem since I was in 8th grade. I am now a freshman and just moved into my dorm. I itch every single day all over my body and it is killing me. Websites say that it doesn't affect daily life, BUT IT DOES. I can’t do anything without itching. Even walking makes me itch. I went to a dermatologist and he gave my different anti-histamines. None of them work and I don't know what to do. I wish something could help me be normal.

Daniel – August 30, 2009

I have been battling with this hives condition since 2005 and I have come to realize it is an overabundance of yeast in the system. The cause is from an overuse of antibiotics over the course of a lifetime and heavy metal toxicity. I have been seeing a homeopath for this and we have been working on it for about 10 months along with diet. High protein low carb diet. My symptoms have subsided. If anyone else is experiencing this please feel free to contact me.

Charise – August 15, 2009

I was just diagnosed with this, but my doctor said that it has something to do with mast cells releasing serotonin. When I said that I use Benadryl cream or cortizone cream to help, he said that won't do anything since it's not from a histamine? I have always had allergies (pollen, ragweed), especially allergic reactions to mosquito bites, I swell up with huge welts for days after a bite.

Bre – August 13, 2009

Hi all. I have had dermographism since I was 16 and I am now 21. Only people who have this hives condition can understand the true discomfort of it. I love it when the websites claim that it is “not a serious condition”. I understand that it is not a deadly disease but I hate the fact that I can’t do ANYTHING without swelling up or itching. It makes me upset when I think that there is no cure but what can we do eh . . . anyways my dear itchy friends all we must do is keep smiling, for that is all we can do . . .

Cheebo – August 1, 2009

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If you would like to share your dermatographism or hives experience with other visitors to this website, please feel free to fill in the form below.

Dermographism or dermatographism is a skin problem that is more common than people think. However, many medical professionals often are unaware of it or do not know how to deal with. Share your experience with Dermographism and help others.

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Skin Flushing, Hives, and Welts  I was first diagnosed with dermographism hives on skin when I was 15. Same story, welts, hives on skin, anything that touched my skin irritated the hell ...

Antihistamines Don't Work for Dermographism  I discovered I had dermatographism hives when I was 6 years old and in second grade. I'm now 16 years old and a junior in high school. I understand it ...

Misdiagnosed with Rosacea and Lupus  I have had this now for about I would say 2 years when I was told I had rosacea and lupus. Now a new dermatologist tells me no it's dermographism, It affects ...

Zyrtec Controls My Chronic Symptoms  I identified my dermatographism almost 13 years ago. My symptoms are chronic and not enhanced with any particular trigger. For the first 8 years or so,...