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Urticaria Pigmentosa

Urticaria Pigmentosa is a very uncommon rash which usually affects various parts of the body such as arms, neck, legs, and trunk of children including young adults. The rash consists of reddish-brown spots that turn into hives when they are rubbed hard or scratched. Sometimes the spots blisters.

Causes of Urticaria Pigmentosa

The spots in urticaria pigmentosa contain a large number of mast cells (infection-fighting cells that live in the skin). Mast cells make a substance called histamine, which causes hives, itching, and flushing. Experts do not know why people with urticaria pigmentosa have abnormal collections of mast cells in the skin. Most children who develop urticaria pigmentosa before the age of five will grow out of the condition by adolescence or early adulthood.

When urticaria pigmentosa starts after the age of five, the abnormal collections of mast cells will sometimes involve the internal organs and the disease does not always go away. These patients need blood
tests and other studies.

Urticaria Pigmentosa Treatment

There is no satisfactory treatmetreatment for urticaria pigmentosa, although antihistamines such as Benadryl can help control itching, hives, and flushing. Patients should avoid aspirin, codeine, opiates, procaine, alcohol, polymyxin B, hot baths, and vigorous rubbing after bathing and showering, since these can release histamine, which can cause itching, flushing, and hives.