I am 15 years old. I had an allergic reaction to something that we are still unsure of. I am getting skin tests done Jan. 2. When I went to the doctor, he was asking a lot of questions. And it came up that ever since I was little my skin would turn red if I scratched it easily and mostly it is my neck which is always red.

I use to always write stuff on my skin and thought it was cool. When my doctor said there was a name for it he said it was a raised hives condition known as dermatographism. I don't think I have a serious case of it, but I do have seasonal allergies. I am allergic to cedar trees, pollen, animal hair makes my skin turn red, and ragweed. But I do get stressed sometimes very easily.

That is most of my story. Thanks.

Mykaela – December 14, 2008

I am 33 years old and have just started having raised hives symptoms this past spring/summer. This year, I had hay fever for weeks and after that it seems like the first episodes occurred. It started with severe itching on my back and legs after showering. Now it is just the red marks and wheals when I scratch myself. I am taking Zyrtec currently. If I skip a couple of days I can feel it my hands, not an itchiness, but a sensation that feels like my skin is tightening. I am interested in other people’s initial breakout experiences.

Andrew – December 12, 2008

I discovered I had dermographism and raised hives about a year ago after going through pain for 3 months. I went to three different doctors with no result or diagnosis. Finally, after suffering for 3 more months, I got an appointment with a dermatologist. He told me immediately that it was dermographism and simply said "its no big deal just take some Claritin and you will be fine". So I figured if I took Claritin it would stop the prickling itching and the bumps would go away.

I take a Claritin in the morning every single day, which makes absolutely no difference at all to me. I have found that putting an ice pack where the prickling is, helps a little bit, but it often itches everywhere so I have no idea what to do. Often times my legs start twitching or shaking out of control from all of the prickling. I am not sure what to do anymore.

Aly – December 12, 2008

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