Mastocytoma and Hives

[MandyMasto]

My daughter has what was diagnosed as a single mastocytoma (it presents as a small brownish spot close to her naval, which when scratched becomes inflamed). Occassionally it flares up and becomes red and raised but presents no discomfort and as such has not been a cause of concern for me as I understand that it will hopefully disappear over time.

She has had a few outbreaks of hives though. This covers most of her body but is wrost on the back of her legs and buttocks as well as on her arms. She is 3 yeras old and has had about 4 or 5 outbreaks. They thankfully do not itch, just present as large red welts, which over a day or two meld into a few very large ones, and then after treating with antihistamine disappear. They cause no discomfort or itching.

Is this related to the Mastocytoma (I was told that it is not?). Does it imply anything regarding the mastocytoma? Will this change over time? Is it worth doing anything about? The only thing I can think that it is related to is colourants so we do try to avoid them but it is sometimes difficult (like kids parties).

Be grateful for any further insights or suggestions.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Mastocytosis is a disease characterized by the presence of too many mast cells in various organs and tissues.Mast cells are found primarily in the skin and digestive system, including the liver and spleen, and produce histamine, a chemical most famous for its ability to cause itching.
Mastocytosis comes in three forms. Most cases produce symptoms but do not shorten life expectancy. The three forms are:
Mastocytoma, a benign skin tumor.
Urticaria pigmentosa, small collections of mast cells in the skin that manifest as salmon or brown-colored patches.
Systemic mastocytosis, the collection of mast cells in the skin, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, and bones.
Mastocytoma usually occurs in childhood and clears-up on its own. Urticaria pigmentosa (present alone without systemic disease) also dramatically clears or improves as adolescence approaches.
There is no known treatment that decreases the number of mast cells within tissue.
ref:http://www.myonlinewellness.com/topic/topic100587133
Continue with anti-histamines wheever the hives come on.

[jen107]

My daughter is six and she  has a solitary mastocytoma on her forearm. She has had a few "flushing episodes" where she broke out into the same hives that you described.  Luckily as she has gotten older she seems to have less episodes. We were told that we should carry an epi-pen in case she has an anaphylactic reaction. Hives can be an indication of a systemic (full body) reaction. With the flushing episodes, my daughter would break out in hives and then have abdominal pain and diarrhea. We were told that this was a result of the mast cells "degranulating" and releasing chemicals into her system. The good news is that she has done well and is able to now have colorants and most foods. We have never given her advil, motrin or anything with aspirin in it, as asa is a mast cell degranulator too.  

I find that my daughter reacts more in the Summer and have wondered about sunscreen ?  Any thoughts on that?

Jenn