Posted by Bob R. on July 29, 2000 at 10:35:30:

In Reply to: Re: DERMATOGRAPHISM. posted by Lynda on June 29, 2000 at 16:48:07:

: I got this when I was about 12 years old & got a bad case of scarlet fever. I had always assumed that it was related to the SF & never knew there was a term for it until today when I was researching something else.

: Mine has disappeared for many years now, I am 40. But I had the exact case like in the pictures, people would draw on me for fun, tic-tac-toe, their names, etc. I don't exactly recall itchiness with it but it is possible. I think over the years it very gradually subsided.

: I thought I'd add this as you were looking for info or possible causes.

This is interesting that you brought up the Scarlet Fever issue. When I was in elementary school I came down with Rheumatic Fever a related conditiont to Scarlet Fever. I wonder if having an infection condition such as these sets up the body for autoimmune type reactions to other infections. About the time that I came down with the dermatographism I had knee surgery and I wonder if by virtue of a slight infection associated with the knee surgery that along with the Rheumatic Fever my chronic condition resulted. Well maybe its another clue.