Red dermographism: causes, symptoms, treatment

For some reason, skin diseases are sometimes ignored as being frivolous. This is not so, because it is not only the largest, but also a very important human body. 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. Causes, treatment and symptoms of its pathological forms will be described below, but for now it is worth to find out what is its essence in general.

What is red dermographism?

With short-term pressing, the skin of almost any person reacts unambiguously - at first it becomes light, and then it stains a little more intensively. This is considered normal if everything goes for a couple of minutes.

However, there are people whose skin reacts somewhat differently. After exposure to a blunt object, a persistent white band 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 it indicates a serious malfunction in the body. This reaction is dermographism, and the name is derived from two words, which in translation mean "skin" and "write."

By itself, dermographism, even in a strong manifestation of the disease is not. If it does not cause serious inconvenience, it can be ignored for years and decades - it is perceived simply as an unusual feature. But forget about this also it is not necessary and it is better to put any doctors in the know - in some cases deviation from the norm can become a very important symptom. By the way, it is worth mentioning that the complete absence of a skin reaction to irritation is also abnormal and should be alarming. But more on that later.

Varieties

There are several types of this state. The first is known as red dermographism. The symptomatology of it, as already evident from the name, includes darkening of the irritated skin and a small short-term edema. With the "white" variety, the covers, on the contrary, turn pale. Neither of these is an abnormal reaction if such a condition lasts for long, without itching the itching or even some unpleasant sensations.

Also, some doctors divide dermographism according to what kind of impact leads to a specific reaction. So, isolate cold-dependent and follicular varieties. Sometimes they also talk about dermographic urticaria, which is usually characteristic of children. And each of these states requires a special approach, so it's probably not worth looking for information on treatment methods on the Internet. It is best, in case of doubt, to consult a doctor who will tell you exactly whether or not you need to worry because of certain symptoms.

Diagnostics

Strangely enough, the detection and treatment of this condition is not always engaged only in dermatologists, as it might seem at first glance. Depending on what is the cause of the unusual reaction of the skin, neurologists, psychotherapists, allergists and physicians of other specialties can join the process.

As a rule, the diagnosis is very simple: one test is performed, on the basis of which the doctor concludes that there are or are no problems, in particular, the immediate skin reaction to mechanical irritation under good lighting and room temperature is checked. According to his results, the doctor either calms the patient, or appoints additional examinations.

Interrelationships

The results of mechanical skin irritation lead to the conclusion that the activity of the sympathetic or parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system predominates, which, incidentally, also makes it possible to classify pathology into white and red dermographism. This is quite important, because their work is automated and not controlled by the person. However, violations in its functioning can lead to mental disorders or simply unpleasant sensations. For those who are more active sympathetic department, characterized by increased performance in the evening, energy, anxiety, reduced concentration. The rest are apathy and are very active in the first half of the day.

It is curious that if the nerve root is damaged, dermographism may not appear in these places at all. This same reaction can talk about severe CNS lesions and serious depletion. It's even surprising that such a simple test can give such important information.

Causes of appearance

Change in the color of the outer covers is caused by narrowing or widening of the capillaries - small vessels that supply blood to the skin. But it is obvious, though it is not clear why the skin of some people reacts like this, and not otherwise. It is known for certain that redness is caused by the release of histamine from mast cells, which greatly increases the permeability of capillaries. However, the mechanism of action and the reasons for this reaction to the dashed effect on the skin are unknown.

But there is information that white or red persistent dermographism can talk about vegetative disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions of the body to certain irritants, meningitis, thyrotoxicosis and some other diseases. In addition, they can cause ordinary stress. But most of the blame lies on the pathological reaction of the body to the most common substances, that is, the reason lies in banal allergies.

As for the direct manifestations, both white and red dermographism can be caused not only by the stroke effect, but also simply by pressure on the skin, by contact with seams, heat, cold or sun, as well as furniture items and, for example, too hard towels.

Prevalence

Gathering information about how much humanity suffers from this condition is hampered by the fact that not everyone notices something unusual in the reaction of their skin, even fewer people consider it necessary to apply if violations are found to the physicians. In this regard, the data on how common the red dermographism, it is difficult to call accurate enough. Researchers say about 2-5%, but in fact the percentage is likely higher.

Red dermographism in children occurs quite often at an early age. It is quite intense and diffuse, but it is mainly due to the fact that their skin is more tender and sensitive and at the same time prone to irritation. However, children are more likely to be diagnosed with other skin diseases (for example, the same urticaria or dermatitis), and not red dermographism.

Treatment

In today's world there are not so many diseases that doctors can not fight. But since red dermographism, strictly speaking, is not a disease, but a symptom, he does not require therapy by himself. 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 should still be taken. As a rule, they are aimed at treating the underlying disease causing such a reaction of the body. In case this is an allergy, antihistamines are prescribed, desensitisation and detoxication of the organism is carried out. If it is a question of endocrine, neurologic or autoimmune diseases, appropriate therapy is necessary. But in itself, white or red dermographism does not cause any harm, which means that it does not require intervention. So there are enough soothing skin creams and anti-allergic gels.

Efficiency

Since most often red dermographism is caused by an allergic reaction, its manifestation is easily quenched. But if this symptom appeared at least once, most likely, a similar skin reaction will be observed in the future. Probably, when the mechanism according to which the histamine, provoking reddening, is revealed, this problem can be solved. Meanwhile, doctors are forced to simply curtail the external manifestations of this process.