Question 1

recent diagnosis w/autoimmune disease & skin biopsy result: urticaria or mast cell disease. shouldn't biopsy  give more definitive diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy: Pathologists describe the type of cells they see and suggest a compatible diagnosis but cannot give a definitive dianosis themselves. You may have urticarial vasculitis. Mastocytosis will need to be ruled out based on the pathology findings too.

Question 2

how to control mastocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Certain meds: Cutaneous masto can be treated with daily oral antihistamines or cromolyn applied to the skin, but sometimes may not need treatment. Systemic masto is usually treated with antihistamines, plus oral cromolyn for GI symptoms and epipen (epinephrine) for anaphylactic episodes. Aggressive forms may only respond to certain chemotherapy agents. See a specialist in masto for more information.

Question 3

anyone have mastocytosis? what is it?

Accepted Answer

Skin problem: This is a skin disorder.  I recommend asking a dermatologist this question.

Question 4

anyone here have treated mastocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Many doctors do: Mastocytosis of the skin is relatively common (esp. In childhood), and most dermatologists will be familiar with it. More extensive/complex skin disease, mast cell activation disoreders, or systemic mastocytosis (throughout the body, not just skin) should be seen by an expert. The mastocytosis society maintains a list of experts by region on their website (www.Tmsforacure.Org).

Question 5

what are the symptoms of mastocytosis?

Accepted Answer

It varies: Mastocytosis in the skin (called urticaria pigmentosa) are reddish-brown "freckles" on the skin that will hive (think of an itchy, red mosquito bite) when scratched or irritated. Mastocytosis throughout the body can present with flushing of the skin, mental "fogginess, " recurrent (often explosive) diarrhea, or even recurrent episodes of anaphylaxis.  See a specialist for more information.

Question 6

how to treat mastocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Skin problem: This is a skin disorder.  I recommend asking a dermatologist this question.

Question 7

what is a cure for mastocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately none: Mastocytosis of the skin is common in children and is ususally resolved by or before the teenage years. In adults, it may or may not ever resolve. Mastocytosis throughout the body (systemic mastocytosis) will most likely never go away, but luckily is not life-threatening. In rare cases where the systemic mastocytosis is associated with leukemia, chemotherapy may help. See a specialist for info.

Question 8

what is done for  systemic mastocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Control of symptoms: After diagnosis, treatment is mostly focused on controlling symptoms. Flushing, itching, and (to some extent) GI symptoms are helped by antihistamines +/- leukotriene antagonsists (e.g. Monteleukast). More severe GI symptoms are treated with cromolyn. Cromolyn mixed with lotion can sometimes help severe itching. Epipen (epinephrine) is used for anaphylactic episodes. See a specialist in masto for more info.

Question 9

what are the signs of mastocytosis or mcas?

Accepted Answer

Hives, anaphlaxis: Cutaneous mastocytosis typically presents as small brown splotches that turn in hives or welts when irritated, but it can affect the entire skin surface, too.  Systemic masto and MCAS typically presents with spontaneous episodes like anaphylaxis--dizziness, fainting, flushing, nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes hives and trouble breathing. See a specialist in masto for more info.

Question 10

what do you know about systemic mastocytosis.?

Accepted Answer

See below: Systemic mastocytosis, often termed systemic mast cell disease (smcd), is a heterogeneous clonal disorder of the mast cell and its precursor cells. It is now classified as a myeloproliferative neoplasm.  It is characterized by mast cell infiltration of extracutaneous (not skin) organs.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Skin mastocytosis

A member asked:

Recent diagnosis w/autoimmune disease & skin biopsy result: urticaria or mast cell disease. shouldn't biopsy give more definitive diagnosis?

A member asked:

How to control mastocytosis?

A member asked:

Anyone have mastocytosis? what is it?

A member asked:

Anyone here have treated mastocytosis?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of mastocytosis?

A member asked:

How to treat mastocytosis?

A member asked:

What is a cure for mastocytosis?

A member asked:

What is done for systemic mastocytosis?

A member asked:

What are the signs of mastocytosis or mcas?

A member asked:

What do you know about systemic mastocytosis.?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?