Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of dermatographia may include:

• Raised red lines
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Hive-like welts
• Itching

The signs and symptoms may occur within a few minutes of your skin being rubbed or scratched and usually disappear within 30 minutes. Rarely, dermatographia develops more slowly and lasts several hours to several days.

The condition itself can last for months or years.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if your signs and symptoms are particularly bothersome.