For some reason, skin diseases are sometimes ignored as frivolous. This is not so, because it is not only the largest, but also a very important human organ. In addition, her condition reflects a malfunction in the body, although not always. For example, there is such a completely normal phenomenon as red dermographism. The causes, treatment and symptoms of its pathological forms will be described below, but for now it’s worth knowing what its essence consists in general.
What is red dermographism?
With short-term pressure, the skin of almost any person reacts unambiguously - at first it brightens, and then it becomes a little more intense. This is considered normal if everything goes away within a couple of minutes.
However, there are people whose skin reacts a little differently. After exposure to a blunt object, a persistent white stripe may remain on it - in some people, and the same, but only red, in others. Such a phenomenon may not cause any inconvenience and anxiety, but sometimes this indicates serious malfunctions in the body. The reaction mentioned is dermographism, and the name comes from two words, which in translation means “skin” and “write”.
Dermographism in itself, even in a strong manifestation, is not a disease. If it does not cause serious inconvenience, they may not pay any attention to it for years and decades - it is perceived simply as an unusual feature. But you should not forget about it and it is better to inform any doctors - in some cases, a deviation from the norm can become a very important symptom. By the way, it is worth mentioning that the complete absence of skin reaction to irritation is also abnormal and should be alarming. But more on that later.
Varieties
There are several types of this condition. The first is known as red dermographism. Symptoms of it, as is already obvious from the name, include darkening of irritated skin and a slight short-term edema. With the “white” variety, the covers, on the contrary, turn pale. Neither one is an abnormal reaction if such a condition does not last long, while itching or any other unpleasant sensations do not bother.
Also, some doctors divide dermographism according to which particular effect leads to a specific reaction. So, cold-dependent and follicular varieties are isolated. Sometimes they also talk about dermographic urticaria, which is usually characteristic of children. And each of these conditions requires a special approach, so it’s probably not worth looking for information about treatment methods on the Internet. In case of doubt, it is best to consult a doctor who will tell you exactly whether or not to worry about certain symptoms.
Diagnostics
Oddly enough, only dermatologists are not always involved in the identification and treatment of this condition, as it might seem at first glance. Depending on what lies the reason for the non-standard skin reaction, neurologists, psychotherapists, allergologists and doctors of other specialties can join the process.
As a rule, the diagnosis is extremely simple: one test is carried out, on the basis of which the doctor concludes that there are problems or not, in particular, the direct reaction of the skin to mechanical irritation is checked in good light and room temperature. According to its results, the doctor either reassures the patient, or prescribes additional examinations.
Relationship
The results of mechanical skin irritation allow us to conclude that the activity of the sympathetic or parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system predominates, which, incidentally, also allows us to classify pathology into white and red dermographism. This is quite important, because their work is automated and not controlled by the person himself. At the same time, disturbances in its functioning can result in mental disorders or simply unpleasant sensations. For those who have a more active sympathetic department, characterized by increased performance in the evening hours, energy, anxiety, reduced concentration. The rest have apathy and a lot of activity in the morning.
It is curious that with the defeat of the nerve roots, dermographism may not appear at all in these places. The same reaction may indicate severe damage to the central nervous system and serious wasting. It is even surprising that such a simple test can provide such important information.
Reasons for the appearance
A change in the color of the outer integument can be caused by the narrowing or expansion of the capillaries - small vessels that supply blood to the skin. But this is obvious, although it is not clear why the skin of some people reacts this way and not otherwise. It is well known that redness is caused by the release of histamine from mast cells, which dramatically increases the permeability of capillaries. However, the mechanism of action and the causes of such a reaction to the stroke effect on the skin are unknown.
But there is information that white or red persistent dermographism can speak of autonomic disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions of the body to certain stimuli, meningitis, thyrotoxicosis and some other diseases. In addition, they can cause normal stress. But most often the fault lies with the pathological reaction of the body to the most common substances, that is, the reason lies in the banal allergy.
As for the manifestations themselves, both white and red dermographism can be caused not only by stroke effects, but simply by pressure on the skin, contact with seams, heat, cold or the sun, as well as furniture and, for example, too tight a towel.
Prevalence
Gathering information about how much humanity is suffering from this condition is complicated by the fact that not everyone notices something unusual in the reaction of their skin, even fewer people consider it necessary to turn to doctors if they find violations. In this regard, the data on how common red dermographism is difficult to call sufficiently accurate. Researchers say about 2-5%, but in fact, the percentage is likely to be higher.
Red dermographism in children is quite common at an early age. It can be quite intense and spilled, but is mainly due to the fact that their skin is more tender and sensitive and at the same time prone to irritation. However, babies are more often diagnosed with other skin diseases (for example, the same urticaria or dermatitis), rather than red dermographism.
Treatment
In the modern world there are not many diseases that doctors cannot fight. But since red dermographism, strictly speaking, is not a disease, but a symptom, it does not require therapy by itself. Another thing is that often this condition is accompanied by swelling, itching and general unaesthetic, especially if it affects the face.
In this regard, some measures still need to be taken. As a rule, they are aimed at treating the underlying disease that causes this reaction of the body. If it is an allergy, antihistamines are prescribed, desensitization and detoxification of the body are carried out. When it comes to endocrine, neurological or autoimmune diseases, appropriate therapy is needed. But white or red dermographism alone does not do any harm, which means it does not require intervention. So there are enough soothing skin creams and anti-allergic gels.
Efficiency
Since red dermographism is most often caused by an allergic reaction, its manifestation stops quite easily. But if this symptom appears at least once, most likely, a similar skin reaction will be observed in the future. It is likely that when a mechanism is discovered according to which histamine is released, which provokes redness, this problem can be solved. In the meantime, doctors are forced to simply stop the external manifestations of this process.