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Dermatographia (skin writing)

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Posted 7/15/2017 10:50 AM (GMT -5)
I am doing pretty well these days, but I have developed a weird skin condition. If I scratch my skin, usually my arm, in a couple of minutes the area will be raised and itchy. It goes away in less than 20 min.
Is this just a sign of an overactive immune system in releasing histamine, or is this a more serious condition like mast cell disorder or something? I don't really have any other new symptoms. Thanks.
Posted 7/15/2017 11:01 AM (GMT -5)
Remember our skin is our largest organ. Scratching may be a way toxins are coming out and they irritate the top layer of skin.

I am just guessing here. But someone else may identify with your symptom.
Posted 7/15/2017 11:59 AM (GMT -5)
interesting, Fronton.

You're symptom (or close to) free, right?

I haven't heard of that before. Maybe ask your LLMD next time you have an appointment...is there one coming up soon?
Posted 7/15/2017 1:35 PM (GMT -5)
I've had this symptom for a very long time - over 10 years. I don't have any other mast cell issues either though.

The only thing about mine is that it got way worse when I was pregnant, so I've long assumed there was some hormonal component to it as well.

Hopefully your LLMD will have some answers for you.
Posted 7/15/2017 2:29 PM (GMT -5)
Yeah, it is weird. I know Lyme can over activate the immune response, but there may be some connection to antibiotics as well. Hopefully I won't have to go on an antihistamine. It's tolerable for now.

I will ask my LLMD next month when I have my appointment.
Posted 7/15/2017 4:11 PM (GMT -5)
I just remembered - using lavender essential oil over an outbreak helps me tremendously,because it's a natural antihistamine. I put it on when I first start itching, and it kills it within in a few minutes.
Posted 7/16/2017 12:10 AM (GMT -5)

Jasperilla said...
I just remembered - using lavender essential oil over an outbreak helps me tremendously,because it's a natural antihistamine. I put it on when I first start itching, and it kills it within in a few minutes.

Thanks!
Posted 4/25/2018 12:45 PM (GMT -5)
Bump!
Posted 4/25/2018 1:10 PM (GMT -5)
So this is still happening, Fronton?


Did your LLMD have any idea about it?
Posted 4/25/2018 1:16 PM (GMT -5)
When this popped up again, I thought it worth commenting. I've noticed that my dermatographia has significantly improved since my last post on this thread. I'm not exactly sure when it happened, other than I started noticing I could scratch my back without triggering an all-out raging attack, which is what used to happen.

I haven't been doing anything for it specifically, but wondered if maybe it IS a component of Lyme, and my treatment has allowed it to mostly resolve. Who knows though? It might kick back in again at any moment. Anyway, for those who are trying to figure this out, it's just another piece of the puzzle. smile
Posted 4/25/2018 1:17 PM (GMT -5)

Girlie said...
So this is still happening, Fronton?


Did your LLMD have any idea about it?

It is, but taking Zyrtec helps it big time. I want to get to the root cause of it, though, and not just fix it with the Zyrtec bandaid.

I am beginning to think it's from taking long-term Omnicef. Penicillins can trigger skin writing, but I read recently that Omnicef contains Penicillin. At my next appointment in early June I am going to insist I go to a tetra/macrolide combo and see if I can go off of the Zyrtec.
Posted 4/25/2018 1:24 PM (GMT -5)
Penicillins and Cephalosporins are similar in structure. Maybe it is an allergic type reaction.


Btw - when you're off the meds for a couple weeks, does it still happen?
Posted 4/25/2018 2:16 PM (GMT -5)

Girlie said...
Penicillins and Cephalosporins are similar in structure. Maybe it is an allergic type reaction.


Btw - when you're off the meds for a couple weeks, does it still happen?

Yup! Very frustrating. I don't think it is an allergic type reaction. . . It didn't develop until almost two years after taking my first dose. I think cephalosporins/penicillin target a specific DAO enzyme (this enzyme keeps histamine under control) in the gut which leads to mast cell wall degradation. Thankfully, this is my only symptom of any mast cell issues.
Posted 4/25/2018 4:54 PM (GMT -5)
I am suspected to have a mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS/MCAD), which I'm learning is increasingly common with Lyme. I have a lot of food sensitivities, but the symptoms aren't anaphylactic, they are usually MENTAL! Bloating, and acid reflux.

My doctor prescribed a bunch of anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers, but I am going the natural route for now - low histamine diet (SIGHI list), quercetin, nettles, bromelain, and vitamin C. I've been able to get off the Pepcid, and rarely get reflux now. I feel better on the strict diet.

Here is one of many articles you can find on MCAS and Lyme:
http://lymemd.blogspot.com/2018/02/mcas-mast-cell-activtion-syndrome-nuts.html
Posted 4/26/2018 8:47 AM (GMT -5)

Jasperilla said...
When this popped up again, I thought it worth commenting. I've noticed that my dermatographia has significantly improved since my last post on this thread. I'm not exactly sure when it happened, other than I started noticing I could scratch my back without triggering an all-out raging attack, which is what used to happen.

I haven't been doing anything for it specifically, but wondered if maybe it IS a component of Lyme, and my treatment has allowed it to mostly resolve. Who knows though? It might kick back in again at any moment. Anyway, for those who are trying to figure this out, it's just another piece of the puzzle. smile

Hey I missed this post yesterday. Thanks for the good news! What has been your treatment protocol this last year?
Posted 4/27/2018 11:23 AM (GMT -5)
Fronton -

I've been following Dr. K's protocol and have been doing a lot of herbs, ozone and glutathione injections.
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