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Cutaneous mastocytosis
Other Names for this Disease
- Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis
- Mastocytoma
- Telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans
- Urticaria pigmentosa
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Overview
Cutaneous mastocytosis is a condition caused by the accumulation of mast cells in the skin. Mast cells contain substances such as histamine that regulate allergic reactions. This condition is usually diagnosed in children and typically resolves by puberty. Treatment is generally based on a person's symptoms, but it may include antihistamines to prevent the effect of mast cell histamine.[1]
There are several different types of cutaneous mastocytosis. Urticaria pigmentosa is the most common form and is characterized by brown patches on the skin where mast cells have accumulated. Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis is a very rare form of the condition that presents at birth with skin that is thickened and easily blistered. A mastocytoma is raised nodule that is also usually seen in infancy. Another rare form that occurs in adults is called telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP).[2]
There are several different types of cutaneous mastocytosis. Urticaria pigmentosa is the most common form and is characterized by brown patches on the skin where mast cells have accumulated. Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis is a very rare form of the condition that presents at birth with skin that is thickened and easily blistered. A mastocytoma is raised nodule that is also usually seen in infancy. Another rare form that occurs in adults is called telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP).[2]
References
- Mastocytosis. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/mastocytosis/Pages/overview.aspx. Accessed May 15, 2013.
- All About Mastocytosis. The Mastocytosis Society, Inc. http://tmsforacure.org/patients/mastocytosis_explained_2.php. Accessed October 5, 2012.
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General Information
- DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information on urticaria pigmentosa and mastocytoma.
- MedlinePlus, a Web site designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, provides more information about this topic. Click on the link to view this information.
- Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
- The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) supports scientists developing better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent the many infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases that afflict people worldwide. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge. Click on the link to read information on this topic.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Cutaneous mastocytosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
- The The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database contains genetics resources that discuss Cutaneous mastocytosis. Click on the link to go to OMIM and review these resources.