Dermographism

There exist 2 main dermographism types: white and red.

White dermographism is caused by light stroke skin irritation with acute subject. Under norm after 5-20 sec one can see white stripe (width - several millimeters), that disappears after 1-10 min.

If stroke irritation is performed stronger and slower, red stripe appears, that continues longer (for 1-1,5 min), sometimes even for 1-2 hours - red dermographism. It is necessary to pay the attention to oedema existance or absence (jugum, elevation).

At dermographism investigation you should mark:

• its character (white, red, mixed),

• stripe width,

• reaction duration.

When analyzed you should take into account that red dermographism is maximally expressed on skin in upper body part, white one – on lower extremities.

On one’s face they can use another way - white spot (stain) probe- finger pressure to skin in course of 3 sec leads to white spot appearing for 2-3 sec. Doctor should remember that at hypersympathicotony white spot disappears slower.

Erben’s reflex

To count investigated person’s pulse for 1 min while his staying. Then the investigated person must be turned forward or to squat down and to turn his head till chin touching with knees. Then counting pulse again for 1 min should be performed.

In healthy people pulse is retarded on 4-12 beats per minute. At hyperparasympathicotony pulse is very seldom; at hypersympathicotony - very quick.

Abrams’ reflex

The investigated person lying on his back is trying to take his chin to his breastbone, but doctor impedes.

Under norm pulse is retarded more than on 12 per minute. It indicates to hyperparasympathicotony and is thought to be positive probe.

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