Treatment
Dermographism can be treated by antihistamines, which prevent histamine from causing the reaction. These may need to be given as a combination of H1 antagonists, or possibly with an H2-receptor antagonist such as cimetidine.
Not taking hot baths or showers may help if it is generalized (all over) and possibly for localized (in a specific area). If not taking showers helps, it may be a condition called shower eczema. If it affects mainly the head, it may be psoriasis. In rare cases, allergy tests may uncover substances the patient is allergic to. Using biodegradable or hypo-allergenic soaps and laundry supplies may help.
While cromoglycate, which prevents histamine from being released from mast cells, is used topically in rhinitis and asthma, it is not effective orally for treating chronic urticaria.
Frequent anecdotal evidence suggests taking in small amounts of alcohol may help with the itching, or temporary cause the inflammation/welts to subside.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have long been used to treat urticaria in the Asian world. Results of clinical trials of both acupuncture and Chinese herbs are inconclusive and are possibly a result of the placebo effect, as the trials did not involve a control group.
Read more about this topic: Dermatographic Urticaria
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