Dermatographia Ayurvedic Treatment

Introduction

Have you ever noticed your skin suddenly turning red and developing raised lines even with the slightest scratch? Could it be an allergy or something else triggering and making your skin sensitive? Don’t worry—here you will find all your answers.

The condition where skin becomes inflamed and raised when scratched and the condition resembles hives with or without angioedema is known as Dermatographia (Dermatographism). It is also known as skin writing disease and urticaria factitia.

Dermatographia is the subtype of chronic urticaria which is believed to occur due to mechanical stress to the skin which leads to activation of mast cells, however, its pathophysiology is not so clear. There are many triggers of these diseases like infections, stress, allergies, skin friction, etc. which exaggerate wheel and flare response within a minute.

As per Ayurveda, dermatographia can be correlated with Udarda which is the result of an imbalance of Dosha, mainly Kapha in the body, and Sheeta Pitta which is Pitta dominant. What are the Ayurvedic and modern perspectives of dermatographia? How does Ayurveda help to manage this condition through various therapies? Let’s explore them!

What is Dermatographia (Dermatographism)?

The common form of physical urticaria or subtype of chronic urticaria is due to an exaggerated immune response where scratching, minor pressure, and friction on the skin cause red, raised, itchy welts, etc. as mast cells in the skin release histamines.

This disease is often associated with allergies, auto-immune conditions, excessive histamine release, etc. While dermatographia often resolves on its own but when it becomes chronic it needs antihistamines, immune modulating therapies, etc.

Dermatographia (Dermatographism) – As Per Ayurveda

In Ayurveda mainly dermatographia is correlated with skin disorder (Twak Vikara) Udarda which is Kapha’s dominant condition. However, all Dosha are involved in it and characterized by red, itchy, raised welts on the skin which can change location or disappear within a few hours.

As this is a subtype of urticaria it is also correlated with Sheeta Pitta. Various uncongenial (Asatmya) food (Aahara), incompatible food (Asatmya Aahra), and allergic or toxic (Dushi Visha) are the factors behind this dermatographia.

Who Gets Affected by Dermatographia (Dermatographism)?

Certain individuals are more prone to skin-writing diseases otherwise they can affect people of all ages. This condition is more common in teenagers as it can be triggered by hormonal changes and stress.

Individuals who are prone to allergies, have dry skin or eczema, etc. are at higher risk of having dermatographia. Individuals who wear tight clothing, scratch their skin often, or have any chronic inflammatory condition or autoimmune diseases are also at risk of having dermatographia. Pain relievers and antibiotics worsen the symptoms of skin writing diseases.

How Common is Dermatographia (Dermatographism)?

Dermatographia is a common condition and approximately 2 to 5 individuals out of 100 suffer from this skin problem. Surveys revealed that 2 to 5% of the general population throughout the world suffer from this condition.  In younger individuals, its prevalence is 24% higher than others and teenagers are more affected by this disease. The female has more prevalence i.e. 33% of this skin writing disease as compared to men i.e. 16%.

Types of Dermatographia (Dermatographism)

1. Localized or Simple or Mild Dermatographia – The most common type of dermatographia in which red lines develop on the skin which is harmless, and they subside within 20- 30 minutes.
2. Severe or Persistent or Symptomatic Dermatographia – The dermatographia is often linked with allergies, stress, immune system dysfunction, and intense burning sensation, itching, and swelling occur with red welts. This type of dermographia lasts from several hours to several days.
3. Delayed Dermatographia – This type of skin writing disease is common in people who are suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases and in this type symptoms of diseases appear several hours after triggering or scratching of skin.
4. Cholinergic Dermatographia – In this type instead of linear welts, tiny red bumps are formed and often triggered by exercise, emotional stress, heat, etc.
5. Cold-Induced Dermatographia – As the name suggests this type is triggered by exposure to cold objects or cold temperatures which may lead to swelling, welts, redness, etc. in affected areas.
6. Pressure-Induced Dermatographia – Its symptoms last for a longer period as compared to simple dermographia and occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin that may be due to welts, tight clothes, carrying bags, etc.
7. Red Dermatographia – This type is triggered by heat, allergic reactions, stress, etc. in which individuals have inflamed streaks that are bright red on skin after skin scratching. Individuals with histamine hypersensitivity or as per Ayurveda individuals with Pitta Disha dominance are affected mostly by this condition.
8. Follicular Dermatographia – In this type that is mostly seen in people with dry or sensitive skin, papules or red bumps appear around hair follicles after scratching instead of linear welts. Follicular dermatographia mimics folliculitis but rather than infection, it is caused by mechanical stress.
9. Exercise-Induced Dermatographia – Dermatographia i.e. is triggered by as the name suggests exercise, increased body temperature due to extensive physical activity, sweating, etc. This type is common in individuals with cholinergic urticaria. In this type of dermatographia on the friction area, red welts that are itchy formed.
10. Familial (Genetic) Dermatographia – This is a rare type of dermatographia that is hereditary and runs in the family as skin hypersensitivity. This type is linked with connective tissue disorders or immune system disorders in which symptoms persist for years and are more severe.