Dermatographia can be considered a condition in which minor scratches in the body turn into temporary reactions. The condition is also known as dermatographic urticaria, skin writing, or dermographism. Around 5% of people suffer from dermatographia, which is more common in young adults and children.
The scratches will irritate your skin, but you will also recover from them faster. Some scratches against the skin will stay white, while others might become red. The scratches are likely to worsen, leading to deep wounds and allergic reactions.
Some treatment options to get relief from dermatographia are as follows:
1. Diet
If you have dermatographia, your doctor will assess your eating and drinking habits. It helps identify possible triggers for its outbreak. Consult your dermatologist to follow a proper dermatographia diet. It includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
You should add anti-inflammatory food to your diet. Cut out the following food items from your diet when diagnosed with dermatographia:
- Red meat
- Fried foods
- Processed meat
- Refined carbohydrates
- Sweetened beverages
You need to stay hydrated at all times by drinking more water. Also, it\'s best not to consume alcohol as it might be one of the triggers.
2. Medications
Some over-the-counter medicines can be used to treat the symptoms. Some popular medications that can be used include cetirizine and diphenhydramine. Both these medicines can cause drowsiness in patients.
These medicines are antihistamines that stop the body from producing histamine. The body produces histamine as an effective response to allergens and chemicals.
A regular antihistamine will prevent the symptoms of dermatographia before they start appearing.
3. Phototherapy
In severe cases of dermatographia, doctors recommend patients get phototherapy. Outpatient radiation therapy can treat different types of skin conditions. People with psoriasis are also often advised to undergo phototherapy.
4. Natural Remedies
You can try the following natural remedies:
- Tea tree oil
- Oatmeal
- Rice bran broth
- Aloe vera
You can apply these remedies directly to the skin. Sometimes vitamins B6, B12, D, and E can also provide relief from the symptoms of dermatographia. However, there\'s a lack of evidence regarding the effect of vitamins on the condition.
5. Yoga and Meditation
Sometimes stress triggers dermatographic flare-ups on the skin. In that case, you can try out tested stress management methods like yoga and meditation.
Regular exercise can also generate feel-good hormones in the brain. Endorphins can prevent stress before it happens. Therefore, dermatographia can be kept at bay.
Children with the condition primarily benefit from relaxation techniques for stress management. When relaxation techniques fail to control your stress levels and skin symptoms triggered by it, you should immediately seek a doctor\'s consultation.
6. Skin Care Routine
Taking care of your skin is mandatory to keep dermatographia at bay. Avoid hot water during showers as it might worsen the scratching. You should either bathe in cold or lukewarm water.
Moisturizing your skin is mandatory to control dermatographia symptoms. Apply a cream or lotion after getting out of the shower.
While hygiene is essential, be careful about the body soap. Avoid fragrant soaps as the dyes and chemicals in them can cause itching.
7. Watch What You Wear
The clothes you wear can also trigger dermatographia symptoms. Synthetic and woollen clothes often cause skin irritation. You should also avoid itchy bedding to prevent the symptoms.
Final Thoughts
The condition can get worse during the winter. Use a humidifier in your room during the cold and dry months. You should also avoid scratching your skin as much as possible.
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