If you are confused between the two similar but different diseases; dermographism and hives, this post will clear up the confusion. By understanding the differences between these two, you will be better equipped when choosing dermographism treatment or angioedema treatment.

Let us first get to know the similarities between the two diseases : dermographism and angioedema are both skin problems with similar triggers e.g. extreme temperatures, allergies, pressure, stress, and have they both have similar treatments.

Sometimes, they accompany each other but usually they outbreak seperately.

The major differences between these two are: dermographism is a subtype of hives(urticaria), whereas angioedema is a different disease. Dermographism is itchy, while angioedema is characterized by painless swelling. Angioedema can be deadly but dermographism is only painful. Angioedema is mostly a hereditary problem while dermographism is usually acquired.

Today’s blog will show a brief comparison between hives and dermographism. By learning about this you will be able to understand and differentiate these two skin problems. This will  help in giving hives treatment or dermographism treatment, not matter which disease are you suffering from.

Let us first understand the difference: Hives is the commonly used name for urticaria and dermographism is a subtype of urticaria. Hives welts can be scattered anywhere on the body and may vary in size from the size of a pinhead to covering a whole body part.

On the other hand, dermographism rashes appear in the form of writing usually on forearm and legs. The similarities between them include: welts of both the diseases are itchy in nature, and their treatment is similar. Furthermore, the triggers and causes are also alike.

To find out about the comparison of hives and angioedema, see my next post .

As promised in the last blog, today’s post will explain the differences and similarities between urticaria and dermographism. You will learn some important and helpful details here.

Urticaria is a skin disease evident by the outbreak of red itchy wheals on any part of the skin. On the other hand, dermographism is a subtype of urticaria. This is why dermographism is also called dermographic urticaria. Dermographism is also called skin writing as the rashes appear on the skin in form of writing while urticaria wheals are unordered and can be widespread. The itching caused by both is similar and the treatment is also nearly the same.

Next week’s post will compare the two most painful and deadly diseases, urticaria and angioedema,please add it on your calendar to-do list so you don’t forget to read it.

The patients of dermographism know how itchy the rashes are. But from time to time the itching can boost to its highest and create an unbearable situation for the sufferer. Following steps can be useful in countering the itch and aid dermographism treatment.

Try to keep the affected area of the skin naked, not even your clothes should be tight on it. When dermographism itching is at its topmost, you will be amazed at the outcome of simply exposing the affected area to fresh air which reduces the itching significantly. Similarly, cooling down the affected are with ice pack, cool compression or simply a cloth dipped in cold water can reduce itching. If itching is still unbearable, you may try non-anesthetizing antihistamines or consult a specialist.

Next week, angioedema and its most common types would be posted and the best thing is that I will be explaining some simple yet greatly rewarding home remedies.

It is a fact that avoiding dermographism is much more stress-free than having to have  dermographism treatment.
Today’s post has some simple steps that can help you in avoiding the itchy and painful dermographism.

Obviously you need to avoid all the items, foods or mechanical tools which can cause dermographism. Avoid extreme temperatures, especially hot weather which can cause dermographism. If you have a familial history of dermographism, you should consult a doctor for advice, even if the symptoms are not observable. If you have experienced dermographism in the past, the chances are high that it might return, so you need to be extra careful.

These steps can help lessen the chances of a dermographism outbreak,  but what if you already have dermographism? Read my post next week and find out the best possible solution for reducing the itchiness and pain.

Before talking about the pathophysiology of dermographism, let me tell you that pathophysiology is the study of biochemical and chemical changes in humans due to disease. One might think if I have to learn about it, what are the doctors for? Essentially, by learning the pathophysiology of any disease, you can improve your ability of recognising and treating it i.e. dermographism treatment.

Dermographism being a subtype of urticaria, its actual mechanism remains uncertain. Certain triggers e.g. allergies, physical triggers or extreme temperature may release an antigen that interrelates with the membrane-s immunoglobulin E of the mast cells. These mast cells then release inflammatory mediators, particularly histamine, and sometimes leukotrienes, heparin, bradykinin, kallikrein, and other similar vasoactive fluids, into the tissues which then accumulate in the skin causing rashes or dermographism.

Learn how you can stay safe from dermographism in my post next week.

Dermographism is also called dermographic urticaria, as it is a subtype of hives (urticaria). The related conditions of dermographism are not much different from those of hives itself.

The most common related condition of dermatographism is angioedema. The less common related condition are the hives or welts which may also develop. Dermographism is itchy but not deadly whereas the angioedema, that accompanies it, can be fatal.

Angioedema is quite similar to hives in many aspects but in angioedema there is a swelling instead of welts, which occur deeper in the skin. The swelling usually occurs on the face: around the lips  and eyes and that is why it is also called facial angioedema. Dermographism is accompanied by angioedema which should be paid serious attention, especially if the trigger was an allergy.

Do not miss my upcoming post next week as I will be describing the pathophysiology of dermographism in and extremely simple way.

Today’s post has some very simple yet extremely valuable  tips for managing dermographism. These points are only to aid your proper dermographic urticaria treatment, not a complete treatment themselves.

1:  Understand the actual causes and triggers of dermographism and avoid them as much as you can.
2: Stay away from all the offending stimuli, allergens or foods that can cause allergies including eggs, nuts, wheat, dairy products etc. For people prone to food allergies, a food elimination technique can be helpful i.e. avoiding one type of food at one time and noting the results and then repeating with other types.
3: The itchiness can cause a need to scratch the affected area, but never rub or unnecessarily touch the rashes, this can cause the rashes to blister and increase itching.
4: Last but not the least, do not use other drugs during the treatment and do not forget to take the prescribed medicine on time.

Do not miss more information about dermographism and related conditions in my post next week.

Dermographism or dermographic is actually a subtype of urticaria. It is also known as skin writing because the rashes appear on the skin in the form of writing. The rashes seem as if someone has held the skin and written something on it. To some, it might sound like a fascinating problem especially to the tattoo-lovers, but actually it is more painful than fascinating.

Certain home remedies can reduce the agonizing itch caused by dermographism. The first and most important tip is to not cover the affected area of the skin. Avoid touching the affected area as much as possible. Do not wear tight clothes, especially during the period when the rashes are present. Contact a qualified doctor if the itching persists.

These were simple remedies, but what should one do when dermographism treatment is notworking as it should be? The answer lies in my next post, do not forget to read it.

Learning all the tips for diseases like dermographism and hives can be very handy as they can relieve you from some of  the suffering. Never consider such tips to be a full time treatment, but these tips are just to help with the treatment.

For example, you are carrying out a properly prescribed dermographism treatment, and you are taking certain drugs or therapies, but sometimes the itching may be unbearable. This is where these tips come into play. For dermographism, you can apply a refrigerated calamine lotion or Aloe Vera gel to reduce itching. Avoid touching the affected area or it will aggravate the situation. Cooling the affected area with cool compression or a cloth dipped in water can be also help and ease the itching.

These guidelines can be helpful in reducing the itching and burning caused by dermographism. This series of blogs for dermographism ends here and in two days I will start begin talking about angioedema, do not miss it.