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Urticaria pigmentosa

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Dermatographism - close-up
Dermatographism - close-up
Dermatographism on the arm
Dermatographism on the arm
Urticaria pigmentosa in the armpit
Urticaria pigmentosa in the armpit
Mastocytosis, diffuse cutaneous
Mastocytosis, diffuse cutaneous
Urticaria pigmentosa on the chest
Urticaria pigmentosa on the chest
Urticaria pigmentosa - close-up
Urticaria pigmentosa - close-up
Dermatographism on the back
Dermatographism on the back

Alternative Names    Return to top

Mastocytosis; Mastocytoma

Definition    Return to top

Urticaria pigmentosa is a skin disease that produces lesions and intense itching. If you rub the lesions, hives may develop.

Causes    Return to top

Urticaria pigmentosa is one of several forms of mastocytosis, which occurs where there are too many inflammatory cells (mast cells) in the skin.

Urticaria pigmentosa is most often seen in children, but it can also occur in adults.

Symptoms    Return to top

The main symptom is brownish lesions on skin. Rubbing the skin sore causes a hive-like bump. Younger children may develop a fluid-filled blister if it is scratched.

The face may also become flushed.

In severe cases, the following symptoms may occur:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Treatment    Return to top

Antihistamines may relieve symptoms such as itching and flushing. Discuss the choice of antihistamine with your child's health care provider. Other medications may be recommended for symptoms of more severe and unusual forms of urticaria pigmentosa.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Urticaria pigmentosa goes away by puberty in about half of the affected children. Symptoms usually get better in others as they grow into adulthood.

In adults, urticaria pigmentosa may develop into a more serious condition called systemic mastocytosis.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Discomfort from itching, and possible self-consciousness about the "spots," are the primary complications. Other problems such as diarrhea and fainting are rare.

Certain medications may trigger flares of urticaria pigmentosa. Discuss these with your doctor.

Bee stings may also cause severe allergic reactions in some patients with urticaria pigmentosa. Your doctor may advise you to carry an injectable epinephrine kit (such as EpiPen or Twinject) to be used in case of a bee sting.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your child has symptoms of urticaria pigmentosa.

Update Date: 10/28/2008

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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