Itchy brown patches all over the body? may be a sign of this disease & bull; hello healthy

Several types of skin diseases are classified as mild and commonly found, for example, tinea versicolor, ringworm, ringworm. On the other hand, there are some of them that have quite serious effects but are only found in a handful of people. One of the rare types of skin disease in the world is diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis aka DCM. This skin disease is characterized by brownish patches that are evenly distributed throughout the body, similar to the texture of an orange peel and itchy. What caused it?

What is diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis?

Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is a skin disease that is a severe form and a rarer version of the condition known as mastocytosis. Mastitocytes themselves occur when mast cells accumulate in the skin and / or internal organs. Mast cells are part of the immune system that is responsible for the inflammatory process.

What causes diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis?

Most cases of this disease are not inherited, but rather a genetic mutation. In DCM, most cases are caused by mutations in get KIT. This gene encodes a protein that helps control many cell functions in the body, such as cell growth and division; life span; and move. This protein is also important for the development of several types of cells, including mast cells.

Due to certain stimuli, including parasites and insect bites, mast cells release a number of chemicals, including histamine. Histamine dilates blood vessels and can make soft tissue swell. Certain mutations in the KIT gene can lead to overproduction of mast cells. In DCM, mast cells build up excessively on the skin causing a series of characteristic signs and symptoms of the condition.

What are the signs and symptoms of diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis?

The signs and symptoms of cutaneous mastocytosis vary depending on the subtype of the disease you have. Most forms of cutaneous mastocytosis are brown patches that spread unevenly over only a few specific areas of the skin. However, the type of DCM usually affects all or most of the skin. This condition usually begins to develop during infancy, especially in the newborn period (neonatal).

The majority of people who have diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) develop red-brown skin patches that are sometimes accompanied by large, fluid-filled blisters (blisters). The characteristics of these blisters can gather in groups in one area only or line up in a straight line; and can bleed. The blisters are mainly found on the feet and hands or the scalp.

These blisters can heal and disappear on their own once the child is 3-5 years old, but not with the brown spots that will remain for life (can drown when triggered). Over time, these brown patches of skin can thicken and develop a cookie dough-like texture and color. Sometimes, these thickened patches of skin can have a rough, porous texture similar to the peel of an orange.

Other symptoms that may arise from diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) include skin flushing, low blood pressure, severe anaphylactic shock, hepatomegaly, diarrhea, and intestinal bleeding.

How is diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) diagnosed?

Cutaneous mastocytosis, including its subtype DCM, can be diagnosed by a physical examination when a doctor suspects that the skin lesions on the patient's body are red, itchy, and sometimes blistered even if only gently rubbed. Sometimes a skin biopsy can be done to confirm the diagnosis, confirming a high mast cell count.

Unfortunately it is sometimes difficult to distinguish cutaneous mastocytosis from systemic mastocytosis. Therefore, additional tests may be ordered to further investigate the risk of systemic disease. Bone marrow biopsy and special blood tests may be recommended in adults with cutaneous mastocytosis, because these conditions are at high risk of progressing to DCM. Affected children usually do not have a bone marrow biopsy unless blood tests show abnormal results.

Can diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) be treated?

Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is a lifelong condition. To date there is no antidote for cutaneous mastocytosis, but there are many treatments available to control the symptoms.

Generally, people who have this condition are obliged to avoid things that can trigger or worsen their symptoms, if possible. Factors that promote the degradation of mast cells (NSAID drugs, physical stimulation, emotional stress, insect venom, and certain foods) should be avoided.

Certain medications, such as oral antihistamines and topical steroids, are often prescribed to relieve symptoms of Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM). Adults with this disease can also undergo photochemotherapy with a UVA laser, which can help reduce itching and improve the appearance of the skin; However, the condition will likely recur within six to twelve months after the last treatment.

People at risk for anaphylactic shock and / or their loved ones should be trained in how to recognize and treat this life-threatening reaction, and should carry an epinephrine injection at all times.