Urticaria pigmentosa
Definition
Urticaria pigmentosa is a skin disease that produces lesions and intense itching. If you rub the lesions, hives may develop.
Causes
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.
Symptoms
The main symptom is brownish lesions on skin. Rubbing the skin sore causes a hive-like bump. Younger children may develop a fluid-filled blister if it is scratched.
The face may also become flushed.
In severe cases, the following symptoms may occur:
- Diarrhea
- Fainting (uncommon)
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Treatment
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.
Prognosis
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.