Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Weird skin sensitivity and swelling

Ok I'm hoping someone can help me with this.  I live in Delaware and about two weeks ago I flew out to Arizona for three days. On the second day I noticed my skin had developed an annoying itch that I assumed probably had to do with dry skin since it's winter and my skin can get dry in the winter and the air in Arizona is drier than in Delaware. Well after getting back to Delaware I bought some aveeno lotion and started using it since the itching had become quite unbearable at times. This helped greatly aleviate the itching but another symptom deleveloped and has gradually gotten much worse. What happens is if I scratch or even bump any part of my arm or stomach or back or neck (just about any part of my body really) the skin at that exact spot will swell and raise much like a bad mosquito bite does.  For instance if say my gf gently bit my shoulder or back the skin in that spot will raise dramatically but with well defined teeth marks...it's bizarre. One more example if someone were to slap my bare back with an open hand (and not very hard) the skin will swell into a very well defined shape of an open hand. Ok hopefully someone has an idea. Thanks. And the fact that the prob developed in Arizona may or may not be relative.  
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Do you have an update on this, this started with me about 3 weeks ago, got alot on at work and a teenage daughter so stress is there but I manage it ok.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you very much for your response. Dermographism definately sounds like exactly what I've been suffering from. "skin writing" is a perfect way to describe it. Any thoughts on why I suddenly suffer from it? Like I said it first appeared about 2 weeks ago and has been a constant annoyance since. I've been getting used to dealing with it but I would hate to imagine it being a long term issue. Are there perscription meds which can help??I already had an appointment scheduled for this tues with my family doctor for a 6 month meds follow up and I will definately be bringing this up at that time as well. Any more of your thoughts would be greatly appreciated and thank you again for your help.

Kent
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

You are suffering from a condition called Dermographism.

'Patients with simple dermographism are asymptomatic and require no therapy. Recognition of the problem, avoidance of precipitating physical stimuli, reduction of stress and anxiety are important factors in medical care. Also, scratching because of dry skin can be reduced with good skin care and emollients. H1 antihistamines are the drugs of choice.'

You could read about the condition at the following links -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatographic_urticaria

and

http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic446.htm

You should read this and let us know if you need any further information.

Regards.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Community

Top Dermatology Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions