Friday, February, 10, 2012

Urticaria pigmentosa

Table of Contents

Definition

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


Alternative Names

Mastocytosis; Mastocytoma


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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.



Review Date: 10/10/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)