Mastocytosis; Mastocytoma

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.

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.

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.

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

Images

Mastocytosis, diffuse cutaneous

Urticaria pigmentosa in the armpit

Dermatographism on the back

Dermatographism - close-up

Dermatographism on the arm

Urticaria pigmentosa on the chest

Urticaria pigmentosa - close-up

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Urticaria pigmentosa Symptoms

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Urticaria pigmentosa Prevention

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)