Dermatographic urticaria

Dermatographic urticaria, also known as dermatographism or "skin writing," is a common form of physical urticaria characterized by an exaggerated wheal-and-flare response to light stroking or scratching of the skin. This condition results in raised, red lines or welts that typically appear within minutes and fade within 30 to 60 minutes. It is a benign condition, often asymptomatic, but can cause itching or discomfort.

This code is used when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of dermatographic urticaria. It applies to patients presenting with the characteristic linear wheals and erythema induced by mechanical pressure or scratching. Supporting documentation includes physician notes describing the physical examination findings and the patient's history of skin reactions to pressure.

• Differentiate from other forms of urticaria (e.g., cholinergic, cold, pressure) which have distinct ICD-10-CM codes.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "dermatographic" to avoid confusion with generalized or unspecified urticaria.
• This code is typically a primary diagnosis unless the dermatographism is a symptom of a more complex underlying condition.