Detailed Information on Mastocytosis

Mastocytosis is known as Urticaria Pigmentosa (UP). Mastocytosis is a disorder that may occur in both children and adults. Mastocytosis can arise in people of any age. It differs from typical allergic reactions because it is chronic slightly than episodic. Mastocytosis develops when mast cells increase in number and accumulate in tissues over a period of years. Mastocytosis is an abnormal accumulation of mast cells in the skin and sometimes in various other parts of the body. Mast cells play an important role in helping your immune system defend these tissues from disease. Mast cells are normally widely distributed in the skin.

Mast cells attract other key players of the immune defense system to areas of your body where they are needed by releasing chemical “alarms” such as histamine and cytokines. The most common form of mastocytosis is when mast cells accumulate on the skin, causing reddish brown spots or bumps. In rare cases, mastocytosis can affect other parts of the body, such as the stomach, the intestines and the bone marrow. There are two types of mastocytosis: cutaneous (skin) and systemic. There are different types of cutaneous and systemic forms. The most common cutaneous form is called urticaria pigmentosa.

Urticaria pigmentosa happens when mast cells get into the skin. The symptoms of mastocytosis can be likely to the symptoms of several other health problems. Symptoms of mastocytosis involve red and itchy rash, hives, rash that looks like freckles, or a lump on your skin. Symptoms of mastocytosis in the stomach and intestine are: diarrhea and stomach pain. Other symptoms of mastocytosis include abdominal cramping, bone pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, ulcers, diarrhea, skin lesions, and episodes of hypotension or shock. In some people, the extra mast cells cause a serious reaction, similar to a bad allergy reaction.

Their blood pressure may suddenly drop to a low level, causing them to faint. Mastocytosis is not serious, and does not require any treatment in most cases. Antidepressants are an important and often overlooked tool in the treatment of mastocytosis. Some antidepressants such as doxepin are themselves potent antihistamines and can help relieve physical as well as cognitive symptoms. Antihistamines frequently treat itching and other skin complaints. Ultraviolet light and corticosteroid creams applied to the skin may be used to treat the skin symptoms of mastocytosis.