Dermatographia

[maria garcia]

My daughter has they skin condition for about two years. We were always told that it was not a big deal and to just drink allergy medicine. If she scratches her skin a swells up. She can very lightly right her name on her skin with her finger and it swells up. Just by rubbing against something it swells. I always thought this might have something to do with an immune dosorder because her grandma had scleroderma and I was always afraid my kids would end up getting it.( And it sure happend). Anyway I just read this:

Dermatographia (aka “skin writing”) is a rare, auto-immune skin condition which affects about five percent of the human population. Individuals impacted by this condition have hypersensitive skin and even minor injuries, rubbing, or scratching can cause raised, red lines and ridges to appear on the affected area.

Has anyone experienced this? Im wondering if vasculities has anything to do with this. Going back 2 years I had her ped. do a ANA test and was negative.

[Al]

There is no question, Maria, that this this matter concerns immune system functions. However, it may or may not be closely related to other autoimmune aspects. It is surely a "hypersensitivity" of some sort. I have not had this specific problem, but it is fair to say that strange things happen when the immune system is damaged. I don't know if the ANA test will tell you much. It may be an IgE response (like a classical allergy), rather than IgG (like ANA or ANCA). And vasculitis probably is unrelated, though it might be. In any case, more than ever, you need a really competent big picture doctor. In another thread, you ask about certain doctors. Sorry, I do not know any of them. The Cleveland Clinic is well respected; if they have a local branch, that might be the way to go. By the way, Rheumatologists often take the lead in dealing with autoimmune diseases. But this is not always the case. ENTs, nephrologists, pulmonologists, and neurologists also are important players, and sometimes are the "project managers". More important is the clinician's knowledge of and experience in treating autoimmune diseases in general, and vasculitis in particular. My main wrangler, for instance, is my nephrologist, with the pulmonologist as the chief consultant. I more or less fired the neurologist for parochial thinking: For all his fabulous reputation, he was not a big-picture guy. For him, everything had a neurological explanation and a neurological treatment. I applaud your effort to find the right doctor. Please keep us advised as to your progress!

Al

[maria garcia]

Thank you Al. I keep saying your a very wise man. Im just putting together all the symptoms she has had for the last two years. To see how back has she had this Immune disorder. We found out 6 months ago bcse of the red ey she has had for a year.
It is confirmed she has AI vasculities but they don't know which diagnosis it falls under. For now its AI Vasculities. I know there all treated the same. But I would like to know. I read about all of them but I can't pinpoint anywith her symptoms. She has eyes and nose involvement with no granulomas. Lymph in blood high, Dermatographia but feels great no fatigue, or pain in joints yet or asthma. Her sedementation rate is normal. The eye specialist said it could be one abbreviated PAN, I read about it and no it doesnt match her symptoms.

[Chris G]

Abbreviated or "incomplete" WG seems more likely (because of her sinus involvement). For me, in the very early stages, I experienced only sinus problems, and then eye problems. As time went on, more symptoms cropped up, and may do so with your daughter as well - so it could declare itself more clearly later on.

[Sangye]

Maria, that is actually a result of several nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. Calcium, vitamin D and essential fatty acids all need to be checked.

[Al]

Maria, that is actually a result of several nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. Calcium, vitamin D and essential fatty acids all need to be checked.

It's worth noting, for all of us, that nutritional deficiencies and imbalances often are part and parcel of serious disease (and the treatment thereof). WG sufferers should, I think, pay extra attention to these matters. Otherwise a downward spiral can set in.

Al

[Al]

She has eyes and nose involvement with no granulomas. Lymph in blood high, Dermatographia but feels great no fatigue, or pain in joints yet or asthma. Her sedementation rate is normal. The eye specialist said it could be one abbreviated PAN, I read about it and no it doesnt match her symptoms.

I am assuming that PAN refers to polyarteritis nodosa, which is an autoimnune vasculitis of medium and large vessels. It is not associated with ANCA. Most suffers have a great deal of fatigue. I'm glad your daughter doesn't have that, or granulomas. Still, I think you have not only a right to complain but a parental responsibility! We all need something of a mother bear on our behalf....

Al