Dermographic Urticaria

aegira
aegira Posts: 201 Member
edited September 26 in Chit-Chat
Well I've just come home from the doctors and gotta say what a waste of $62.
These itchies have been going for over a week now, so I decided girl it's time you got checked.
Well I now have a name for it...dermographic urticaria, the doctor has basically said good luck with it you have to find out what your allergic to, if it's not allergy based it could last for 5 years+ and by the way there's no cure....geez thanks doc.
Has any one had this or are dealing with it? This thing sucks big time the only funny (in a weird way) side of it is being able to 'draw' designs on my skin with the light touch of my finger and watch the rash/welts appear like magic...

Replies

  • dseig001
    dseig001 Posts: 6 Member
    MD checking in...

    Look back at when the rash/itchy sensation first began, try to think of new exposures you may have had, seasonal changes, pets, clothing, fabric softener - everything. Retrace your footsteps, as Uticaria most likely is secondary to an irritating source. It can also be psychological (scratching out of nerves, habit, tics, etc..).

    As a side note, ya might not want to say such negative things about the doc because he couldn't cure you. You're paying for his knowledge and experience, not for a cure. It's offensive and ignorant to blame the doctor because his honest (and probably correct) answer wasn't one that made you happy.
  • aegira
    aegira Posts: 201 Member
    It's ok really I actually said "geez thanks for nothing" to his face and he laughed. I actually love my doctor he is the one who kept me sane during a major car accident 2 years ago. I seriously wouldn't change him...ever. This is the same guy who asks me any time I walk in "so, have you left that (insert swear word here) job yet?" and then proceeds to tell me the latest joke he's heard. He calls it as he sees it and I luv him for it. This itch is so frustrating he on the other hand thought it was fun to see the welt appear after he drew the word S*** on my arm, gotta luv him lol.
  • dseig001
    dseig001 Posts: 6 Member
    I'm sorry, disregard that part. It's been a long day in the ICU and I'm being rude without good cause.

    But seriously, retrace your steps! I bet you'll figure it out
  • aegira
    aegira Posts: 201 Member
    Is all good, sorry you had a bad day...sending hugs =)
    Hope tomorrow is better for you.
    Luckily the diary helps me to retrace my steps, in the mean time I'm going to try and cut out gluten. I am wondering if all the paper I handle at work has anything to do with it, the joys of a bookkeeper ha ha. Last Tuesday was a massive day with both the printer going in my office. I'll figure the sucker out =)
  • emaybe
    emaybe Posts: 187 Member
    "It's offensive and ignorant to blame the doctor because his honest (and probably correct) answer wasn't one that made you happy. "

    What an arrogant, nasty thing to say to a person who is frustrated that their doctor couldn't help them.

    To the OP: If it's strictly a skin issue and you can't figure out what allergen may be causing it, try out some holistic remedies (a quick Google search could send you down the right path to ask your doc or a specialist about). A few years back I spontaneously developed an allergy to my boyfriend's cat and was able to knock it out by switching to a lotion with some fancy ingredient I can't remember anymore (sorry, it's been a while -- and it's late)... it was recommended by my doctor who's a big old hippie. If i remember what the hell it was I'll post it here. Good luck!
  • tracey2710
    tracey2710 Posts: 197 Member
    I'm sorry but thank god I'm not the only one to suffer from this!
    Sorry can't offer any cure's - as the doctor says there is none:sad:
  • aegira
    aegira Posts: 201 Member
    @tracey2710, you too?? I am sorry...Can I ask how long you've had it?
    I was reading a forum last night and a number of people have had it for years one lady has had it for 20 years I nearly cried. My son hugged me tonight and a rash appeared from the pressure, not cool, no way in hell I'll give up the cuddles though...
    I'm day one on a gluten free change of eating plan (hate the word diet lol), so it will be interesting. I am finding that if I drink green tea it seems to ease the itch. I looked it up and apparently it is one of the natural antihistamines so I'm giving it a try it does 'wear' off but I've been topping it up all day at least I'm hydrated lol. :flowerforyou:
  • tracey2710
    tracey2710 Posts: 197 Member
    It's been coming and going for about 5 years - now I have to say I'm very grateful that it has only ever come out on my legs, so at least it can be hidden. Been to doctors and got blood tested - that revealed nothing. Then after keeping food diary it appeared that everytime I broke out I had eaten garlic so I cut it out - trust me that wasn't easy, absolutely love garlic! Flipping hell - two weeks ago broke out again:noway: So don't know, give up on what on earth's causing it! Just have to keep using the lotions and potions and tablets from doctor.

    Definitely no way you can give up on the cuddles!
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