Symptomatic dermographism: an inadequately described disease.

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic dermographism is the most common form of physical urticaria with a prevalence of 2-5%. However, its clinical picture has rarely been described.

OBJECTIVE

To understand more of patients' views about the practical aspects of their condition, its cause and impact on quality of life.

METHODS

Ninety-one of 150 patients with symptomatic dermographism from our specialist urticaria clinic completed a 38-question questionnaire sent them by mail.

RESULTS

The mean duration of disease was 6¼ years. In most patients, the condition was continuous, but ~25% had prolonged symptom-free phases. Severity was evaluated as moderate in 45%, severe in 33% and very severe in 6% of respondents. Other responses included: symptoms worse in the evening in 81%; quality of life significantly impaired in 44%; normal life not possible 7%; stress induces acute episodes 44%; other urticarial forms coexist 21%; allergy coexist 48%. A family history was reported in 14%. Almost all patients were taking H1 -anti-histamines, 49% getting marked improvement and 23% becoming symptoms free.

LIMITATIONS: It is a survey only of patient opinions.

CONCLUSIONS

This questionnaire survey confirmed that symptomatic dermographism is a debilitating condition with profound effects on quality of life but its underlying cause and disease mechanisms remain obscure.