dermatographia /dur′mətōgraf″ē·ə/ [Gk, derma + graphein, to record] , a benign dermatologic condition characterized by raised wheals in a distinctive pattern consistent with the application of the caused by pressure from or scraping by the fingers in a word pattern or design. It is known informally as skin writing because the wheals can be caused by irritation with the fingers in a word pattern or design. See also autographism, urticaria.
