Dermatographia

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

To reduce discomfort and prevent the symptoms of dermatographia, try these tips:

  • Avoid irritating your skin. Refrain from using harsh soaps on your skin. Don't wear clothing made of itchy material, such as wool. Hot showers or baths may worsen the symptoms.
  • Don't scratch your skin. If you have dermatographia or other skin conditions that may cause frequent itching, try to avoid scratching your skin. Scratching will aggravate the condition.
  • Keep your skin moisturized. Dry skin tends to itch. Keep your skin moisturized by using lotions and creams. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Treatments and drugs
References
  1. Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Oct. 4, 2012.
  2. Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed Oct. 4, 2012.
  3. Dice JP, et al. Physical urticarias. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Oct. 4, 2012.
  4. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=740. Accessed Oct. 4, 2012.
  5. Adkinson NF, et al. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05659-5..00061-9--cesec9&isbn=978-0-323-05659-5&sid=1363424664&uniqId=370214287-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05659-5..00061-9--cesec9. Accessed Oct. 4, 2012.
  6. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 18, 2012.
DS00755 Dec. 6, 2012

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