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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Dermatographia is a condition in which lightly scratching your skin causes raised, red lines where you've scratched. It's not serious, but it can be uncomfortable. In dermatographia, your skin cells are overly sensitive to minor injury, such as scratching or pressing on your skin. Signs and symptoms of dermatographia include redness, itching and swelling similar to hives.
In most cases, dermatographia symptoms go away in a short time without treatment. But if symptoms are severe or bothersome, your doctor may suggest taking antihistamines. Simple self-care measures also can help you manage dermatographia.
- Dice JP, et al. Physical urticarias. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Urticaria — Hives. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/Urticaria-Hives.htm. Accessed April 25, 2010.
- Bhute D, et al. Dermatographism. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Vereology and Leprology. 2008;74:177.
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