Dermographism

System: Skin & Nail Signs · All skin & nail signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Firmly stroking the skin raises a red, swollen wheal line along the stroke within minutes — 'skin writing'.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with a common form of physical urticaria; a exaggerated version is found in a few percent of healthy people.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.