Frequently I get asked how I manage my dermatographia. My new friend Ellen in Hong Kong asked how I deal with our skin condition, so I wrote this post. [Update: Check out this post (click here) for even more tips, and here’s my updated Dermatographia page too]
About 5% of the population has dermatographia, and it affects us all quite differently. Some choose to take antihistamines because the itching is so bad. My dermatologist offered me a prescription and I refused–thankfully the itching isn’t intolerable to me because I’ve figured out other ways to take care of it, alternatives to antihistamines.
Following are my suggestions for an itch-less (not totally itch free, but every little bit helps!) life:
1. Eat fresh, organic, and whole foods as much as possible. Fruits, vegetables, rice, beans, nuts, etc., staying away from processed food and sugar. Especially sugar! That will definitely trigger itching. Basically, eating foods that are anti-inflammatory are your best bet.
2. Drink lots of water! I drink coffee in the morning (my weakness), but otherwise mostly just water the rest of the day. No soda or sugary drinks, and limit alcohol intake as that increases redness and is dehydrating. Make sure your water is filtered, just in case the tap water is contaminated. Drinking tons of clean water is one of the most helpful things you can do for your skin and overall health. That, and taking lots of deep breaths, making sure you’re breathing deeply all day.
3. Use products made for sensitive skin, preferably those with natural ingredients, and stay moisturized. Coconut oil is a great addition to your skincare regimen. It soothes irritated skin immediately, smells good, and is all natural and inexpensive. Stay away from added perfumes in skin care products as well as laundry detergent, as these can be aggravating to sensitive skin. If coconut oil is not for you, try 100% shea butter. It comes in different scents–mango is my favorite–and the softness is heavenly. Alternatively, sometimes I’ll rub a little almond oil on my skin before getting out of the shower, that way I don’t need to moisturize after showering, and the almond oil feels great on my skin.
4. Exercise and get lots of rest. My favorite things to do are yoga, jumping on a fitness trampoline, and walking–it’s important to get your heart rate up and also to stretch.
5. If itching gets really bad, use a cold compress in the area where it started, or run cold water over it. Don’t scratch! Because then it spreads all over, along with the welts. One reader suggested keeping aloe vera gel in the fridge and rubbing that on irritated skin. The coolness combined with the aloe will be extra soothing.
6. Take care of yourself by easing stress, getting lots of rest, and and having fun–and your skin health follows. Meditation, laughter, reading, writing and knitting are examples of relaxing activities that give you some quality alone time.
It takes time to notice a reduction of dermatographia symptoms. Be patient with yourself while making these changes, and give your body time to adjust. It took about a year for me to notice a huge difference in my symptoms, and it just keeps getting better. I’ll continue to post more dermatographia skin care tips. If you have suggestions, please send them my way: arianapage@gmail.com, or comment below. And if your condition worsens, see your doctor.
Update: Ellen just wrote to tell me that she’s been following my tips and her itchiness is subsiding. Great news!
306 Comments
Skin Drawings Are Cool! 5 Ways to Prove It | Skin Tome
on February 7, 2014 at 2:07 pm[…] If you would like tips for how to take care of the itchiness, and lessen your symptoms (while still being able to draw cool stuff on your skin), check out my post What to Do With the Itch: 6 Tips to Manage Dermatographia. […]
Peace
on August 22, 2015 at 10:55 pmI have this condition as well, on a lower scale, but since it is relatively harmless, it’s pretty cool. Use it! Give yourself war tattoos. Show it to your friends. Dermatographia bikini( idk just something I came up with). Stay positive! P.s. A lot of people think you are weak if you have this. Quite the opposite 😀
Ariana Page Russell
on August 26, 2015 at 7:27 pmHa that’s a great idea! Dermatographia bikini! Haven’t heard that one before :^)
You’re so right: we are most definitely not weak.
Thanks for the note!
Patty K
on April 28, 2016 at 6:11 pmI also have this condition and it has become more prominent over the years…recently (past year or so) when i sneeze my throat swells…my dermatologist said it was the most sever case she has seen…I have tried meds but they do not help and i am getting frustrated…i look like a freak show when my skin gets irritated…
Grace Mayers
on May 10, 2016 at 11:15 amThanks for your tips. It f seems like everything cause my skin to itch
Ariana
on May 13, 2016 at 6:22 pmWow Patty I’m so sorry to hear that! Have you tried some of these things I suggested? Many people find it takes a lot of trial and error to pinpoint triggers, so don’t give up! Let us know how it goes, and best of luck.
Aira Villegas
on October 27, 2016 at 11:24 pmsame here too. even if o cough too,.i get wheezy and shortness of breathing
Kate
on October 16, 2017 at 6:45 pmHello Patty,
I have had this condition for over 30 years. I found antihistamine worked well until about 5 years ago when I was taking 6-7 antihistamines a day. My specialist suggested Doxepin 25 mg and to take two at night. This and one antihistamine has worked well for me since. Hope this may help you.
Best wishes Kate
Cutema
on November 6, 2015 at 3:57 pmI have It, too. I keep writting in my skin even draw sometime and show it to my friends and family. I keep my skin moisturized to avoid itching but other than that Its super cool.
Ariana Page Russell
on November 17, 2015 at 10:54 pmYes awesome! Thanks for the note!
Gwen
on March 29, 2017 at 9:16 pmmy best friend loves to scribble her name into my arm and watch it appear. my friends play “pictionary” on me all the time lol
Nora❤️
on October 2, 2016 at 10:16 amthis
Laura
on January 26, 2017 at 11:10 amHi! My name is Laura. I was recently diagnosed with dramatic urticaria/dermatogpraphism. Drug store brands like cereve and cetaphil were recommended to me for skin care.
I would like to use something eco/animal friendly, and free and clear. Any natural brand suggestions for soap, facial moisturizer, etc? I have coconut oil at home I can use, but I’m not sure if id like it all over my body.
Thanks so much!!!
Ariana
on January 31, 2017 at 5:46 pmHi Laura!
For facial moisturizer I use 100% pure, organic argan oil. It’s the best moisturizer ever! Right before rubbing that on my face I spray some probiotics by Marie Veronique (their products are excellent and all natural). In the shower I use liquid coconut oil with a pump to wash my skin, plus Dr. Bronner’s bar soap. It’s gentle and good for the environment. Then, right before getting out of the shower I moisturize with sweet almond oil (I also keep that in a pump bottle for easy use), then rinse off real quick. That way I don’t have to use lotion after showering! For washing my hands I use Dr. Bronner’s liquid castille soap–just make sure to dilute it with some filtered water or else it’s kind of strong.
I suggest you experiment with different oils and see which one makes sense with your skin. It’s taken awhile for me to find my routine :+)
Elisha J Vancil
on February 22, 2017 at 7:53 pmI have this and I’m soooo over it. I’ve had it pretty much my whole life. As I’ve gotten older the inching sensation has gotten worse and worse. And I feel like I don’t want anything touching me because if I get scratched or even grazed by something I look like I got took a bunch of rubber bands to my skin and the sensation to itch intensifies by 100. I’m on Zyxal and it helps. I can tell within hours if I have forgotten to take my meds. I appreciate this article. Great advice!
Tamy
on April 19, 2017 at 2:38 pmHello! I have the same condition and it makes me feel a bit better that I have found this community. At the moment I feel like my world is falling apart not being able to do or wear what I would like to, because I feel ashamed of the thought I have that on my body and someone around me will sure comment or ask questions. It can get highly severe if make a higher pressure, scratch etc.
I started taking Cetirizine (Zyrtec), but only once ina week or so and It doesn’t help me that much.
Would you reccomend taking a full therapy (how many times in a week and for which period of time)? I never did take a whole therapy so I would like to hear it from you.
Thanks :))
Kameron Andrews
on January 30, 2018 at 7:34 pmI am 16 years old and I just got diagnosed with with dermatographia. I am in highschool so i am already self conscious enough, I do love being able to draw and my skin but It makes me very vulnerable and self conscious. I am just wondering if you had any really great tips for me to help with it?
Dipen
on June 10, 2018 at 5:11 amPUT SOME COCONUT OIL.
AND AFTER BATH PUT AGAIN COCONUT OIL .
AND REST . YOU ARE SLOWLY-SLOWLY FEEL COMFERTABLE 🙂
connie wan
on December 6, 2018 at 8:04 pmI have dermatographia mine isn’t the WORST case of dermatographia but its still pretty bad. I touch my cheek then people ask me what happened to my cheek and why its red. I have welts everywhere. thanks for the tips. I have learned to embrace my condition as now I can play tic tac toe during assembly’s. (I am in 6th grade (my mom let me write this))
Nora
on January 26, 2020 at 11:56 amI am very desperate. For the last 2 years I have been sponge bathing because water makes me itch . It is like thousands of ants on my body. I have seen so many dermatologist and no help.last dr put me on Xorlair injection. There is 2 weeks I took shot and tried bathing . Still not working. I need help
Andrea
on February 18, 2014 at 1:14 pmI have this condition as well and I noticed that when I cut out gluten and dairy from my diet–the itching has been minimal but most importantly when I do itch I don’t hive up! I just stays red though– i’m finding new ways to treat my condition.. let me know if I can help out more with this!
Skintome
on February 18, 2014 at 7:22 pmThanks Andrea! I’d love it if you could contribute a story and image to Skin Tome–about your experience with gluten and dairy and itching. If you’re interested email arianapage (at) gmail.com
Jeanne
on November 29, 2017 at 6:54 pmHi! I have experimented with this before! I have this overwhelming disease as well, and I tried this out for a month. It TOTALLY works. My skin/itchiness has toned down a lot and it works. Now the only thing I get, is a heat rash. Which then worsens with the dermatographia condition. Nights are THE WORST. Even when I sleep with no blanket and light clothes. Sucks. But this method works. People should try it.
someone
on April 1, 2014 at 1:38 ami have this and at first i had no idea what it was and so i ignored it, then there was a point where i itch from the top of my toes to the inside of my ear and also eyelids, palms, fingers and all the way down to my feet it was an unpleasant experience and it broke me so i went to a dermatologist and got medicine but it sometimes is bad and the prescription doesn’t help plus money is tight so i have been on off brand Allegra .
Skintome
on April 2, 2014 at 10:28 pmThank you for writing! I’m glad to hear the antihistamines are working for you. If they’re too expensive, you might try following some of the tips I wrote in this post. Good luck, and please stay in touch.
Jo
on November 29, 2016 at 11:42 amAccording to my Dr, Zyrtec is most often prescribed, as it seems to work the best. Costco Brand, “Aller-tec” is super inexpensive. The just raised the price again, from $11.99 a few years ago to $14.99 for 365 TABLETS. Affordable for anyone! Causes dry mouth tho’. :{
Humeyra’s Inquiry | Skin Tome
on April 7, 2014 at 4:48 pm[…] responded with some tips for managing the itch and advice for how to figure out if you have dermatographia: When you lightly scratch your skin does […]
Sherlee
on April 11, 2014 at 8:42 amThanks for the tips! I also found that stress is a trigger for myself. I’m so glad to find out my skin problem is not unique to myself!
Skintome
on April 11, 2014 at 4:57 pmYes stress triggers it for me too. I do yoga and go for walks on a regular basis, that helps keep my stress down. Welcome to Skin Tome ;’) You’re definitely not alone!
Judy
on January 14, 2020 at 5:44 amDoes the heat from going outdoors cause you burning and itching? It does for me and I feel trapped. Can no longer enjoy outdoors if it is warm outside. Very sad.
Jill
on April 14, 2014 at 10:31 amI was just diagnosed with this 4 days ago… I was given a prescription for it, but all weekend I was so drowsy that I had to nap every single day and than I was in bed for the night 5 hours later.. It just started 2 weeks ago when spring began to happen… I have always had allergies but NEVER like this !! I don’t know where to start with seeing what triggers it
Skintome
on April 14, 2014 at 7:21 pmHmm, well you could get an allergy test (with blood work, skin tests don’t work on us ;’). Other than that, I hear the elimination diet is good at identifying which foods you may be allergic to. If it’s something in the air, rinsing your nose with a neti pot does wonders to clear sinuses (just make sure you boil the water and let it cool before using). I’ve found that over time, with the changes I made in my diet/lifestyle that I speak of in this post, my condition has lessened considerably. I’ve never taken antihistamines. But if that’s all that works for you, try a different type that won’t make you drowsy. Speak with your doctor about these options.
Good luck, and please stay in touch!
Fiona Orru
on September 13, 2017 at 12:39 amListen to your body. Try get some sleep or rest more and drink a lot of water. Also be careful the kind of cosmetic you use. This skin condition is always triggered by something, which has continuous effect long before the symptoms (Dermatographia) surfaces.
How Skin Writing Brings People Together | Skin Tome
on April 28, 2014 at 1:12 pm[…] Also, I realize some of us with dermatographia do not think it’s cool, because it’s extremely uncomfortable (never mind embarrassing), and actually hurts and itches to the point of drawing blood from scratching so much. I am so sorry for your pain. Please speak with your doctor about this, and seek other treatments if your antihistamines aren’t working (sometimes you need to change the dose and/or type). There are also natural treatments that I’ve found to be very helpful. I write about my experience here. […]
Paul’s
on November 19, 2018 at 12:50 pmI totally agree with you. I can draw cute smiley faces and other doodles on my skin but like you said, it may be cool to some but to others like me, those raise welts get hot!! They itch like hell!! And they burn!! My life has been a mess with this condition.
Nehal
on May 11, 2014 at 1:18 amI’ve had this since I was a child! Today I found out that it has a name. It’s never really bothered me, but I have realized that stress makes it worse.
Ariana Page Russell
on May 12, 2014 at 6:09 pmHi Nehal! Thanks for writing. I agree, stress definitely makes it worse. That’s why I do yoga and other exercise. I find that helps!
help me
on June 6, 2018 at 2:57 pmi have skin wrirting 2 its awful i dont like drawing on my skin will this stay forvere
tips plz
Beverly
on May 15, 2014 at 4:33 pmAriana – I have had dermographia since I was about six months old, and mine is brought on by not only pressure, but temperature changes. Too hot, I break out. Too cold, I break out. Bra strap too tight, I break out. However, I have noticed that as I have gotten older (am 56 now), it gets better, so maybe there is an advantage to aging! Here’s to happier skin!
Ariana Page Russell
on May 19, 2014 at 12:26 amHi Beverly! Yes, I have heard that it goes away as we get older. Advantage of aging for sure! Thanks for writing, and please keep in touch. I’d like to know if your dermatographia goes away completely.
connie wan
on December 6, 2018 at 8:07 pmme too! except im in school still….
Bonnie
on September 29, 2019 at 2:53 amI am 67 year old vegan and just developed this after taking antibiotics for a UTI. I went to a dermatologist and was told I have dermatographia. I was told to take zyrtec and acid reducer. The acid reducer made me get heartburn and the zyrtec made me dizzy and exhausted and very depressed but did stop the itching and redness. My vagina is very itchy and irritated and when I feel like I have to urinate it feels really weird but goes away when I urinate. The doctor told me because I am older to put estrogen cream there which seems to irritate it the next day. The zyrtec seemed to help with that also. I am not digesting my food properly now. I take vegan probiotics and multivitamin. I have also tried vegan yogurt and greek yogurt. I am going to see an allergist this week but not sure they can help.
Ariana
on October 6, 2019 at 3:37 pmBonnie I’m so sorry to hear that! What did your allergist say?
Did you see my other post How I *Almost* Cured My Dermatographia, The All Natural Way ? Something in there might work for you like it worked for me.
Hope you’re feeling better!
Emily
on May 19, 2014 at 8:57 amI have had this condition for almost a year now. I also have had Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (autoimmune hypothyroid) for about 7 years that I know of. Do you think Dermatographism may be related or even autoimmune? I work in the clincial medical field and started noticing my hands being severely inflamed and itchy every time I took off my gloves. I thought I had developed an allergy to the gloves that I have used for many years. So the hospital ordered me gloves made out of different materail 3 diffferent times and I was allergic to all of them! Then I started noticing whenever a patient touched me it would happen and then I noticed my jewelry and then I kept noticing more and more and at that point realized I can possibly be allergic to everything including myself! So I was referred to a rheumatologist because I also had new onset pain along with these rashes, and she diagnosed me with Dermatographia and not Rheumatoid Athritis or Lupus thank God! My skin is always terribly itchy, it’s so bad it is unbearable and I am already on an antihistamine for seasonal allergies, I can not imaging what would happen if I stopped using that. But for those of you who need more relief, my doctor added Zantac 150 twice a day- when I remember to take that along with my antihistamine it is like the condition doesn’t even exist. I just hate having to take all of the medication to have any relief. I eat a healthy diet and try to minimize stress already because of my autoimmune disease. Is this something I will always have or does it eventually go away? I am definitely struggling with it on top of many other things!
Ariana Page Russell
on May 19, 2014 at 12:45 pmHi Emily! Yes, I think dermatographia is related to auto-immune disorders. Because the release of histamine is an immune system response, I think some of us are predisposed to other conditions as well, and vice versa. Thank you for writing! I would love to feature you on Skin Tome too. Feel free to email me anytime arianapage@gmail.com
Beverly
on May 20, 2014 at 2:01 pmI can tell you that at age 56 the condition has lessened over the years. I have had it since just after birth and pretty severe, but it does get better. I am taking a Zyrtec every night and that also helps.
Ariana Page Russell
on May 20, 2014 at 10:24 pmHi Beverly! I’ve heard from others too that the condition lessens with age. I know mine is definitely getting better and I’m only 35, but I also have made some major dietary changes lately too. I do not take antihistamines though.
Sara Funk
on April 9, 2015 at 3:07 pmHi Beverly,
I have had similar problems after giving birth to my second child. Now 17 years later I think I have cured my problem. I suggest you look up Candida albicans. As soon as I eliminated all sugar from my diet, yes even fruit…my skin cleared up. The book that explained it to me is called “The Body Ecology Diet, by Donna Gates”. Good luck and I hope it works for you. If so spread the word.
Ariana Page Russell
on April 10, 2015 at 12:39 pmThanks for the note Sara! Glad to hear eliminating sugar has helped so much. We all have our different triggers–sugar is definitely a big one!
Connie Davis
on May 1, 2016 at 8:03 pmInteresting…as I also, have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and was diagnosed with dermatographia within the last year. I do notice that stress is my biggest trigger (don’t notice any foods, clothes, perfumes or detergents that I use that cause it). Any further information that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
John
on May 19, 2014 at 10:07 pmDoes anyone have any lotions they typically like to use every day and have had great long term (key words) luck with? Most lotions with ‘anti-itch’ meds in them cannot be used for large areas of the body or for prolonged use. Thank you. John
Ariana Page Russell
on May 20, 2014 at 10:40 pmHi John! I don’t use anti-itch lotions because in my experience they actually make the symptoms worse. I’ve found that coconut oil is a miracle moisturizer/soothes itchiness, almond oil is pretty good too. The key is to not put too much on though, otherwise it can be very greasy. Let me know if you decide to try it out!
Kim
on December 28, 2016 at 9:12 amI use equate eczema lotion and put it on right after I get out of the shower without drying myself. My doctor told me to do this! I also take a multivitamin with multi minerals and a probiotic everyday. I use everything unscented! And I take a Cetrizine everyday! I had an allergy test done. Had to take take blood and test since my skin is the way it is. I’m allergic to dust mites!
Shauna
on May 19, 2014 at 10:21 pmI thought when I became vegan the dermatographia would go away or tone down. It did get rid of my plantars warts, but my skin is still as sensitive. I eat incredibly healthy, drink only water (and tons of it) and exercise regularly. No luck here!
Ariana Page Russell
on May 20, 2014 at 10:32 pmHi Shauna! Have you tried using coconut oil on your skin? Since I started using only coconut or almond oil to clean and moisturize my skin I’ve noticed a huge improvement in symptoms. Also, taking probiotics has helped me. Others have told me being vegan worked for them. It’s interesting how it’s so different for everyone!
Samia
on May 19, 2014 at 11:12 pmToday I can give my condition the name!!! Believe it or not I have seen so many doctors but no one identified the condition with this name. May be in my country people don’t see it. I have suffered a lot. Your tips are going to change so many things for me. Thank you so much