Dermographism

(gambar ini adalah hiasan semata2)

Dermographism means skin that you can write on.

This skin condition is characterized by the appearance of raised patches of skin or welts. What makes this condition unusual in appearance is that the welts are in the pattern of the force applied to the skin.

For example, if a blunt object is used to write or draw something on the skin simply by the use of pressure, the writing will appear on the surface of the skin as raised letters. If the skin is lightly scratched, the raised areas will be in the pattern of the scratching. Accompanying the raised skin areas is very itchy skin prior to the welts, while the welts are forming, and while the hives or welts are present.

Other dermatographism symptoms are skin redness and possibly the appearance of small red bumps. Often the individual with dermographism gets up in the morning with red marks all over the face and other body parts. Also, drying off with a towel after bathing can lead to read marks on the skin, especially in the facial area.

A constant characteristic of this skin condition is that one minute the individual may be perfectly fine and the next the skin becomes itchy. This causes the individual to scratch (sometimes without noticing that he/she is doing it) and this results in the other dermatographism symptoms appearing. The welts usually develop within five minutes of the stroking of the skin surface. The dermatographism symptoms persist for 15 to 30 minutes and sometimes a bit longer and then subside. Many such episodes may occur in one day and rarely does the individual go a full day without at least one out-break of symptoms.

Not a lot of pressure is required to trigger the dermatographism symptoms. Sometimes, simply rubbing the face lightly with a finger will cause the flare-up of a red itchy raised patch of skin. This is very noticeable and can cause embarrassment and stress for the affected individual. Greater amounts of applied pressure to the skin will produce more dramatic dermatographism symptoms.

Objects that create friction on the skin such as tight fitting clothing, wristwatches, belts, and even eye glasses where they contact the skin, can all trigger the dermatographism symptoms.

In 25-50% of people, firm stroking does produce more than the normal amount of skin redness. However, welts are not present and neither is excessive itching. Approximately, 2-5% of individuals will experience the full dermatographism symptoms.

All body surfaces can be affected by this skin condition. The most common body areas to be affected are the trunk of the body (back, chest, abdomen), buttocks, and face. Arms and legs may also be involved, but the scalp and genitalia areas less frequently.

Dermographism symptoms can appear at any age, but is more common in young adults. Individuals in their 20s or 30s are most often affected.

p.s.. i dont have dermographism. i just know someone who does :)