Pssstt!!! I have dermatographic urticaria! Derma... what?

Did you know that there is such a disease as "skin writing disease"? Yes, when you write on someone's skin, and then, the skin swells as a result. It’s also known as dermatographism, dermographism or dermatographic urticaria.

  

According to Wikipedia, 4 to 5% of the population has this condition. Now I feel special. LOL. Why? Because I belong to this population. You see the image above? That’s my arm.

When did my condition start? I am not sure. I don't have this disease when I was a child. Maybe, during my college years. That's the least that I could remember. Then, it ruined everything. No, just kiddin' ^_^. My skin reddens easily under any kind of physical pressure, even light pressure. While I'm typing this and I'm leaning, the skin with contact to the laptop or table is already red. What’s worse, oftentimes, is that the pressure like stroking, scratching and rubbing causes swelling, itchiness and burning sensation. Even, if I'm just cleaning my face or applying any creams!When there’s a change in the environment’s temperature, like going to cold places, red wheals also appear though there is no physical pressure. I just put on some mild lotion for an instant relief. And oh, I also blush easily. So emotional pressure is included. Haha! 

What's the root cause of this disease? They say it's "idiopathic" which means "unknown". It may have something to do with one person's immunity. Over kung maka-react ang immune system! 

I have gone to many dermatologists before this disease was really pinpointed named. Thanks to my former company’s health benefits, I was able to have 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th opinions. No, I am just fond of visiting derma’s clinics. I have also visited an allergologist in St. Luke’s Hospital and asked for an allergy testing but she refused. According to her, it would not make any sense since the test would need pricking or scratching the skin and no matter what kind of allergens are used, my skin would always swell. Oo nga naman. (I agree.)

So, I was advised to intake different antihistamines like Virlix, Iterax and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride. Virlix does not cause one to be sleepy that's why it is advisable to intake in the morning. Iterax and DH, on the other hand, make you feel drowsy so the best time to drink it is before you sleep. Iterax is also being given by some doctors to aid the patient who is having a hard time to sleep, just like in the case of my brother. Hydrocortisone cream/lotion can also be applied to relieve symptoms. For worse conditions, Clobetasol cream/lotion, but for short term only.

Actually, these drugs won't cure the disease. These are just given to alleviate the symptoms and bring temporary relief to the affected ones. They say this disease can last for many years, sometimes the condition goes away, sometimes it stays forever or never solved. 

Good thing, like GERD (see my other post), this condition can be controlled: 

• I am now very choosy in the clothing fabric I am using. I usually wear light and stretchable fabrics, those breathable ones. I couldn't stand tight clothing 'cause it makes me feel like burning! An over-tight legging is a no-no.

• When using beauty products, everything should be mild, fragrance-free, colorant-free, soap-free. Ano ba 'yan, puro free! Ano na kayang effect nun?!

• As for beauty treatments, I was advised by dermatologists to go for mild facials ONLY. No laser treatments. No bleaching. No peeling. No waxing. No this, no that... Now, this is so frustrating. L  Oh well, natural beauty ang peg. Di yata masyadong kikita si Belo sa ‘kin.

• Take warm, not hot, baths and showers. So, di pwede sa mga hot springs. 

• I don’t engage in sports or games na may sakitan ng balat ang labanan. Hehe

• Always apply lotion or moisturizer to prevent skin dryness and itchiness. Big help. Guaranteed.

How does it feel like having this disease? Or how does it affect my life in general? I admit it limits me, in many ways. And I don’t want to enumerate anymore. Ayokong ma-down! And of course, it's soooo annoying. I always feel itchy. I always feel burning. It’s irritating! I’m a hot mama, literally. Lolz! But it has been a part of my life so I already get used to it. Oftentimes, when people see me and greet me, they often say, "What happened to you? Why is your skin so red? Napa'no yan?" Sometimes, I feel embarrassed. Oftentimes, I don't. It depends.  I just always answer them that it's just normal for me and I have a hypersensitive skin. I remember my former officemate used to call me Rogue (of X-Men) because I must not be touched. Am I not envious of those who have great skin? Definitely, I am! But not to the point that I get depressed.  I don't put too much stress on myself because of this. So, I don't suffer much. After all, skin writing disease does not belong to the group of life threatening skin diseases nor it is contagious.

Words of Comfort

Though, there's no way I can have that great skin I am dreaming of, just like Anne Curtis’ (talagang level ni Anne Curtis ang pangarap? Patawa lang, wag masyado seryoso). I just thank God ‘cause I’m naturally born simple. So, di ako masyadong pressured. Pag may igaganda pa ang skin, okz lang, pag wala na talaga, okz lang din. Most importantly, I am grateful because our Daddy God up there loves us despite of our limitations, weaknesses and imperfections. His grace is sufficient no matter what. Yes, sufficient. Enough. Always.

So, wanna write something? Fine. Just don’t write on my skin. Hehe.

Do you have this condition too? How does it affect you? Or, do you know someone who also have this disease? What does he/she do to take care of himself/herself?