Does anyone's child on the spectrum have Dermographism or Dermatographic Urticaria?

[Guest guest]

My child who is on the spectrum has Dermographism or Dermatographic Urticaria.

Do other child with autism have this? Just wondering if this is common among

the population. It doesn't seem to bother him. Any suggestions on what to try

to clear this up. Benadryl doesn't make a difference.

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

The symptoms are thought to be caused by mast

cells<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mast_cell>in the surface of the

skin <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin> releasing

histamines<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histamine>without the presence

of

antigens <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigen>, due to the presence of a

weak membrane surrounding the mast cells. The histamines released cause the

skin to swell in the affected areas.

[image: Dermatographia]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dermatographia.JPG>

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dermatographia.JPG>

Self-referential illustration of dermatographic urticaria

This weak membrane easily and rapidly breaks down under physical pressure

causing an allergic-like reaction, generally a red

wheal<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheal>(welt) to appear on the skin.

It can often be confused with an allergic

reaction to the object causing a scratch, when in fact it is the act of

being scratched that causes a wheal to appear. These wheals are a subset of

urticaria <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urticaria> (hives) that appear

within minutes, accompanied by a sensation of burning, and itchiness. The

first outbreak of urticaria can lead to others on body parts not directly

stimulated, scraped or scratched. In a normal case the swelling will reduce

itself with no treatment within 15–30 minutes, but in extreme cases, itchy

red wheals may last anywhere from a few hours to days.

It has been reported that one artist with dermatographism uses her skin as

her

medium.[3]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatographic_urticaria#cite_note-2>

The underlying cause of dermographism is not known, and can last for many

years without relief. 95% of chronic cases are never solved. Sometimes the

condition goes away, sometimes it stays forever. It is not a life

threatening disease and is not contagious (transferable to other persons).

Symptoms can be induced by stress, tight or abrasive clothing, watches,

glasses, energetic kissing, heat,

cold,[4]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatographic_urticaria#cite_note-3>or

anything that causes stress to the skin or the patient. In many cases

it

is merely a minor annoyance, but in some rare cases symptoms are severe

enough to impact a patient's life.

***********

I always wondered what this was. I get this on the outside of my arm

sometimes --in the same place every time. I haven't noticed this in my

son. What I notice is that he gets bright red cheeks if he is out in the

sun or gets even a little hot. It's almost as if he is allergic to the sun

or heat. Anyone know what this is? we really watch him and bring him in if

his cheeks get too red.

I would think the dermographism is some form of immune dysfunction, though

it does not seem to be serious. Mine goes away by itself in a few days,

though mine only consists of two lines on the outside of my arm like I've

been scratched and don't know how it got there.