Urticaria pigmentosa is an uncommon rash that usually affects the neck, arms, legs of children and young adults. The rash consists of reddish-brown spots that turn into hives when rubbed or scratched. The disease is most often diagnosed as an infant, when parents take their baby to the doctor for what appears to be bug bites may actually be clumps of mast cells. One can confirm the presence of mast cells by rubbing the baby's skin and if hives appear, it most likely signifies the presence of Urticaria pigmentosa.
Causes
The spots in urticaria pigmentosa contain a large number of mast cells which are the building blocks of the body. Mast cells are cells that fight infection that live in the skin. The cause of Urticaria pigmentosa is that the mast cells start making a substance called histamine and this substance causes hives, itching, and flushing to a person.
Symptoms
Urticaria Pigmentosa is characterized by excessive amounts of mast cells in the skin. Red or brown spots can be seen on the skin especially around the chest and forehead. These mast cells, when irritated produce too much histamine which triggers an allergic reaction that leads to hives on the area of irritation. Symptoms can range from very mild flushing or hiving but it can also prove to be life-threatening leading to vascular collapse.
Irritants
Some of the other things that can worsen the symptoms of Urticaria pigmentosa are as follows:
- Emotional stress
- Physical stimulation such as heat, friction, and excessive exercise
- Venom
- Eye drops containing dextran
- Alcohol
- Morphine
Treatment
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 in controlling itching, hives, and flushing.
One should always look out for skin diseases like Urticaria pigmentosa as they are caused very easily especially on infants and even if a skin disease occurs then one should instantly consult a doctor before the skin gets irritated further and the disease aggravates even more.
