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Acne Help (Home) > Rare Skin Disorders > Mastocytosis Mastocytosis: Information, Causes, Symptoms and TreatmentMastocytosis is the term for a group of disorders caused by excessive number of "mast cells". It is most common in kids, but the more relevant forms are seen in both children and adults. Mast cell is found throughout the body, but are specially plentiful in the skin and digestive tract. Mast cells are part of the immune defenses systems. They are also found around damages, and seem to play a role in healing of injuries. Mast cells work by releasing chemicals that attracts white blood cells to regions of the body where they are required. Researchers also think mast cells may have a roles in the growths of blood vessels. No one with too few or no mast cells have ever been found, which indicates to some researchers that having too few mast cells may be incompatible with life. The presence of too many mast cells, or mastocytosis, can exist in two systems: cutaneous and systemic. The most common cutaneous (skin) form is also called urticaria pigmentosa, which occurs when mast cells infiltrate the skin. Systemic mastocytosis is caused by the accumulation of mast cells in the tissues and can affect organs such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and small intestine. Symptoms of MastocytosisChemicals released by mast cells effects the physiological changes that lead to typical allergic responses such as hives, itching, abdominal cramping, and even shock. When too many mast cells exist in a person's body, the additional chemicals can cause bone pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, ulcers, diarrhea, skin lesions, and episodes of hypotension or anaphylaxis. Treatment for MastocytosisAn array of drugs is used to treat the symptoms of mastocytosis, including antihistamines (to prevent mast cell release of chemicals), and anticholinergics (to relieve intestinal cramping). Numerous drugs are used for the treatment of specific symptoms of mastocytosis.
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