Dermatographism

If you can "write" on your skin and make a red welt form, then you likely have dermatographism.

Some cases can be quite severe and be a variant of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria, for which we prescribe pharmaceutical medications. But if your case is mild, you can try the following 

Dr. Eads' recommendations:

1) Magnesium.

Magnesium is a mast cell stabilizer. Mast cells contain histamine and when disrupted by scratching the skin,  they can release their histamine granules,  resulting in a welt.

Magnesium oral supplements can help. Magnesium citrate or Magnesium malate or Magnesium glycinate are our favorites. Keep the dosage around 500 mg daily,  but in divided doses,  as Magnesium can have a laxative effect. Three doses daily of about 170 mg each dose, is ideal.

2) OTC antihistamines.

Loratadine 10 mg twice daily is our "go-to"

3) Quercetin.

This is a potent mast cell stabilizer that is found in apples, berries, broccoli and other foods. Take 500 mg twice a day.

If these recommendations still leave you with red streaks, schedule an appointment!!