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New Dermatographia: What is helping you?
If you don't know what dermatographia is, please feel free to read and participate, but this discussion is aimed at people who currently suffer from this illness. I have questions that I don't think anyone without the condition can answer. The onset of my symptoms began about a week after receiving the Moderna covid booster shot. (My 3rd covid shot) Which may or may not be a factor. My symptoms began with full body itching, where any scratching would lead to very easy skin reddening. I went into an urgent care soon after and was prescribed steroids (prednisone) and antihistamines. While these work to lessen the itch GREATLY, my skin still reacts to even slight scratches or pressure with easy redness. My condition is largely self-diagnosed, but my primary care physician agrees with it.
There is so little relative information about dealing with this illness that I feel like I need to reach out here to ask. If you have/had this condition:
1. Did you (like I am) develop a tightness in your esophagus? or any bowel issues?
2. Does your face get flushed, fully red and feel warm?
3. Do you know of any support groups that I can reach out to for information and solidarity?
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Unfortunately, zyrtec can be one of those that causes rebound effects. So it is hard to tell if the vaccine is still bothering you. You need to be clear of antihistameans to have meaningful results from your testing. Or I would suggest somethng like allegra for the iching. best go for topicals like cool baths in oatmeal water or the old remedies.
I just wanted to give an update:
In February 2022 I developed symtomatic Dermographism following the moderna booster. I had it all over my body. It was frustrating, irritating and very itchy. For about 8 months I was taking two antihistamines a day, then reduced it to 1 zyrtec a day. After 1 year it was one every other day, mainly the itch starting in my feet and palms weirdly. Now in July 2023 I took my last one 7 days ago. The itch comes sometimes but it is very mild and doesnt require the zyrtec. Hope this gives hope to others who are suffering, it will pass.
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2 Reactionsi had my flu shot last week. ever since i have had these itchy welts. the one on my right hand had what looked like a bee stinger sticking out. removed it. don't remember feeling a bite at any time. Could be that? Been on steroids and antihistamines. I have had a total of 4 covid psizer shots. not doing any more cause i really zthink it is connected to our bodies reactions.
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1 Reaction@newyorknill I understand you not wanting to get anymore shots. Vaccines can play around with our bodies, but they also do great things, like preventing serious diseases. Have you asked your doctor about the welts? What do they say?
I use Xolair for my moderate to severe asthma. My asthma is triggered by allergies. I moved to Austin, TX 18 years ago and from month 1, I started getting hay fever, then that went to migraines and hives, and severe asthma attacks. All of this landed me in and out of emergency rooms, emergency steroid shots, being on 4 different types of nebulizer solutions 2X a day - and many inhalers.... My doctor finally put me on Xolair almost 5 years ago - and I started it just as I was coming off of another asthma episode. My asthma "episodes" typically lasted several weeks and sometimes up to 2 months.
It took Xolair about 4 to 5 months before I noticed my asthmatic reactions were reduced. And since then, I haven't had a trip to the emergency room, steroids etc. The bummer is that in order for me to live a normal life, I have to get monthly Xolair shots (1 in each arm) plus I still need to continue with monthly allergy shots (4 shots). So in order for me to live in Austin, I have to get 6 shots a months... not fun but the alternative is worse.
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1 ReactionI'm African American female with light spots on my legs.ive noticed them within a year because they accumulate. How can I treat this condition.
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1 ReactionI have had Dermatographia for about 10 years. No one (even my Dr) told me what I could do for it except take antihistamines. Since then it seems to have gotten worse and I have many creams (both cortisone and Benadryl) in my cupboard. This started long before Covid. But I have had the tightening in the throat, flushing and bowel problems for a long time time.
I have Dermatographia since before Covid. But it has gotten worse over the last 5 years. It started out with my knees being red and hot after a shower, but now it is more of a rash on my arms, around my wasteline and belly, and on my knees. I take Zyrtec daily and Benadryl at night, and use all sorts of antihistamine and cortisone creams. Sometimes it helps lessen the itch, but other times I resort to putting cold packs on the itchy areas. It usually works but lately that hasn’t even worked. Needless to say I don’t get much good sleep.