Dermatographic urticaria, also known as dermatographia or dermatographism, refers to a skin condition in which scratching the skin causes a reaction that leads to the appearance of raised, inflamed lines called welts on the skin. It is one of the most common forms of urticaria. Another name for this condition is ‘skin writing’. It causes an allergic reaction on the skin with signs and symptoms including raised lines (pink, red, purple in color or the same color as that of the skin) on the skin that resemble writing or welts (raised bumps) on the skin, along with redness, itching and swelling. It may also be warm to the touch and a burning sensation may be felt. Symptoms appear within minutes of a trigger factor and the duration of symptoms is approximately 30 minutes. In rare cases, the duration can range from several hours to a day or even longer. In most cases, the signs and symptoms get worse at night. This condition is not contagious (the disease does not spread from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact).
What causes dermatographic urticaria?
The real reason behind this is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by the release of histamine from mast cells on the skin’s surface. Although no antigen (a foreign substance that causes an immune response through the production of antibodies) is present here, histamine can cause welts (raised bumps on the skin) and swelling. This can happen when the immune system accidentally recognizes scratching or pressure on the skin as an allergen and triggers an allergic response by sending histamine to the affected area to remove an allergen. Histamine causes dilation of blood vessels and leakage of fluid from small blood vessels in the skin, causing swelling of the skin.
Another theory is that an allergic reaction can occur if the mast cell membrane is very weak, making it easy to break under pressure and causing an allergic reaction. Some of the triggers that can cause these types of reactions include scratching the skin, rubbing the skin from tight clothing, pressure on the skin from a wristwatch/belt/a piece of jewelry, vibration, stress, an infection, a cold/Exposure to heat, exercise, air blowing on the skin causing the hair to move on the skin, bathing with warm water and taking medications such as penicillin. Individuals with dry skin, those who suffer from or have a history of atopic dermatitis (a skin disease that causes inflammation, redness and itching on the skin) or allergies, thyroid problems or family history of this type of urticaria are at risk. Teenagers (ages 13 to 19) and young adults are most likely to be affected by this skin condition. Usually there are no complications associated with it, but ulcers caused by it can sometimes become infected with bacteria or fungi.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy appears to be very effective for many skin complaints. One of them is dermatographic urticaria, which can be effectively treated with the homeopathic method of treatment and with a very gentle approach. Homeopathic remedies moderate the overactive immune system (which overreacts to some of the triggers that result in skin reactions) and brings relief in such cases. These medicines help in controlling acute episodes of urticaria and also work to overcome this type of urticaria naturally without side effects. These drugs gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of episodes of this type of urticaria. Besides healing the stretch marks, they also help manage any associated symptoms such as itching, burning, stinging, and pain in the stretch marks. Homeopathic medicines are selected individually for each case of urticaria, taking into account the triggers such as scratching, exposure to heat or cold, exercise and the occurrence of symptoms such as itching and burning. Although these medicines are safe to use, it is advised to take any medicine after your case has been fully assessed by a homeopathic doctor and avoid self-medication.
Top Homeopathic Medicines for Dermatographic Urticaria
1. Rhus Tox – Top drug
Rhus Tox is the leading drug for treating urticaria caused by scratching. In cases where this is necessary, the bumps are colored dark red. Swelling may occur in the surrounding skin. Intense itching is felt in the bumps on the skin. Rubbing worsens both the itching and the eruptions. This medicine is also indicated if cold causes urticaria.
2. Natrum Mur – When scratching, heat or exertion causes the ailments
Natrum Mur is the second most effective drug for dermatographic urticaria. This medicine is indicated if bumps appear on the skin after scratching. The bumps can be quite large. Intense itching is associated with it. In addition, a burning and stinging sensation is also felt in the bumps. This medicine is also well indicated when exercise or exposure to heat causes urticaria. Persons requiring this medicine may also suffer from dermatitis or may have a family history of this disease.
3. Zincum With – When scratching or rubbing causes skin complaints
This medicine is well indicated when stretch marks appear on the skin due to scratching or rubbing the skin. Although stretch marks can appear on any part of the body, the most commonly affected areas include the thighs and the hollows (backs) of the knees. An itching and stinging sensation is felt during these eruptions.
4. Apis Mellifica – For urticaria caused by heat and hot weather
Apis Mellifica is a very suitable medicine when urticaria is caused by heat and hot weather. Red welts appear on the skin with an intense burning and stinging sensation. Itching is relieved when one is in the open air. It gets worse at night. The welts are painful to the touch.
5. Urtica Urens – For exertional urticaria
This medicine is useful when urticaria rash occurs due to exertion. It is recommended for red-colored bumps. An itching and burning sensation is felt. In addition, a stinging sensation and formication (the feeling of insects crawling under the skin) are experienced on the bumps.
6. Dulcamara – For urticaria caused by heat
Dulcamara is a useful drug when urticaria is caused by heat. After exposure to a warm atmosphere, stretch marks appear on the skin. It is accompanied by a needle-like pricking sensation. There is obvious itching and burning. Formication is experienced.
7. Sepia – When exposure to cold air causes stretch marks
Sepia is considered when urticaria arises from exposure to cold air. The affected area usually includes the face, neck and forearm. It is accompanied by itching and a burning sensation. Stitching pain is also felt in welts. The complaint improves in a warm room.
8. Conium – For stretch marks after exercise
This drug proves useful when stretch marks occur after exercise. The welts are accompanied by itching and burning. Itching worsened by scratching. Stretch marks can also be painful.
9. Bryonia – When irritation occurs in the welts
This medicine works well if a prickling sensation (i.e. sharp pins touching the skin) is felt in the welts. The stinging is mainly felt when the skin is touched. Red bumps appear on the skin. Itching is also felt with an urge to scratch.