Urticaria pigmentosa is a disease that produces skin lesions and intense itching. If the lesions are rubbed, hives may form on the site. Urticaria pigmentosa is the name given to a type of mastocytosis, in which there are brown patches on the skin due to abnormal collections of mast cells. Urticaria pigmentosa is characterized by several to many brownish spots that itch and, when scratched, produce welts and reddened skin. The brown spots, seen here on the chest, contain mast cells with high levels of histamine. People sometimes develop generalized flushing and headaches from the massive histamine release from these spots.

Urticaria pigmentosa is an uncommon rash that usually affects the neck, arms, legs and trunk of children and young adults.

Causes of Urticaria Pigmentosa

* The spots in urticaria pigmentosa contain a large number of mast cells (cells are the bodies building blocks). Mast cells are immune cells (cells that fight infection) that live in the skin. Mast cells make a substance called histamine. Histamine causes hives, itching, and flushing.
We do not known why people with urticaria pigmentosa have abnormal collections of mast cells in the skin.

Sings and Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma

The common symptom of Urticaria Pigmentosa are as follows :-

Diarrhea
Fast heart rate
Headache
Fainting

Diagnosis and Testing of Urticaria Pigmentosa

There are two commonly used tests to diagnose urticaria pigmentosa. The first being a urine test that looks for elevated levels of histamine in the system. Elevated histamine is the root cause for urticaria pigmentosa.

Secondly, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of mast cells which are increased in patients suffering from urticaria pigmentosa.

Treatment of Urticaria Pigmentosa

There is no satisfactory treatment for urticaria pigmentosa. Patients with urticaria pigmentosa should avoid aspirin, codeine, opiates, procaine, alcohol. polymyxin B, hot baths, and vigorous rubbing after bathing and showering. These can release histamine which can cause itching, flushing and hives. Antihistamines such as Benadryl can help control itching, hives, and flushing. Antihistamines may relieve some of the histamine-induced symptoms such as itching and flushing. Discuss the choice of antihistamine with your child's health care provider.

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