Urticaria pigmentosa is an identity or name given to a genus or kind of mastocytosis. In this disease there are number of brown patches which occur on the skin because of uncharacteristic gathering of the mast tissues and cells.
What does mast cells means or what are they?
These mast cells are normally present or one can say distributed in the skin. They consist of number go granules which comprises of histamine and number of other chemicals. When these mast cells are distributed in our body these chemical get scattered throughout in our body. And because of these chemicals the blood vessels become leaky, which results in the localized itching or itching in some areas or parts of the body, redness and swelling are also very common during urticaria pigmentosa.
Urticaria Pigmentosa – Clinical Features
Occurrence of the urticaria pigmentosa in children
Urticaria pigmentosa usually affects the newborn or toddlers only. It attacks with the few patches which appear in the few months of the age. Number of parents and even children often get confused after watching these patches as they think that they are because of the insect bites. But when they persist and increase or enhance in few months or years then they realize that it’s not due to insect biting. These patches can appear on any part or areas of the body including limbs, scalp, trunk and face.
When these patches are rubbed or even touched roughly they start tender or blister. The cases of blistering of patches have been commonly seen in the young children just because they cannot resist the pain and itching thus rub then in order to get relief. And rubbing put them in another problem. If so many or number of patches arise at once then it will affect the behavior of the child or toddler also.
After some years the urticaria pigmentosa gradually becomes less irritating and most of the patches occurred because of this disease disappeared. By the child reaches his or her teen age almost all the patches on his or body fades away.
Darier’s sign
By rubbing any of the brown patches one can also demonstrate the presence of excess mast cells existing in the body. Within few minutes of rubbing, the area becomes reddened, itchy and sometimes swollen also. These signs are described or known as Darier sign, and this confirms the existence of very dangerous disease called mastocytosis.
Urticaria Pigmentosa Treatment
- Doctors prescribe anti-histamines to control itching. Itching and flushing should be controlled to prevent the skin from spreading. There may be several side effects associated with this treatment besides drowsiness. In case of children, consult doctor about any risk factors it may involve before starting the treatment.
- Potent steroid creams applied for several months under occlusion can reduce itching and unsightliness.
- Antihistamines may relieve symptoms such as itching and flushing.
- Patients with urticaria pigmentosa should avoid aspirin, codeine, opiates, procaine, and alcohol. Polymyxin B, hot baths, and vigorous rubbing after bathing and showering.
- Antihistamines may relieve symptoms such as itching and flushing.
Useful References