Contents:
- Medical Video: Red spots on skin | 7 diseases that cause red spots on the skin
- What is diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis?
- What is the cause of diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis?
- What are the signs and symptoms of diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis?
- How is diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) diagnosed?
- Can diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) be treated?
Medical Video: Red spots on skin | 7 diseases that cause red spots on the skin
Some types of skin diseases are classified as mild and commonly found, for example phlegm, ringworm, ringworm. On the other hand, there are some of them that have a serious impact but are only found in a few people. One type of rare skin disease that exists in the world is diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis aka DCM. This skin disease is characterized by brownish patches that are evenly distributed throughout the body like an orange skin texture 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 a 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 inflammation process.
What is the cause of diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis?
Most cases of this disease are not inherited, but there are genetic mutations. In DCM, most of the cases are caused by mutations in get KIT. This gene encodes proteins that are responsible for helping to control many of the body's cell functions, such as growth and division of cells; life span; and move. This protein is also important for the development of several types of cells, including mast cells.
As a result of certain stimuli, including parasites and insect bites, mast cells release a number of chemicals, including histamine. Histamine makes blood vessels dilate and can make soft tissue swell. Certain mutations in the KIT gene can cause excess mast cell production. In DCM, mast cells accumulate excessively on the skin causing a series of signs and symptoms of a typical condition.
What are the signs and symptoms of diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis?
Signs and symptoms of cutaneous mastocytosis vary depending on the disease subtype. Most forms of cutaneous mastocytosis are brownish patches that spread unevenly in only certain areas of the skin. But the type of DCM usually affects the whole or most of the skin. This condition usually begins to develop during infancy, especially in the newborn (neonatal) period.
The majority of people who have diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) show symptoms of brownish red patches of skin sometimes accompanied by large fluid-filled blisters. The characteristics of these blisters can gather in groups in one area or line up straight; and can bleed. Blisters are mainly found in the feet and hands or scalp.
These blisters can heal and disappear on their own as soon as the child is 3-5 years old, but not with brownish spots that will remain for life (can sink when triggered). Over time, these brown spots on the skin can thicken and develop textures and colors similar to cake dough. Sometimes, thickened skin spots can have a coarse and porous texture similar to orange peel.
Other symptoms that may arise from diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) include reddened skin, low blood pressure, severe anaphylactic shock, hepatomegaly, diarrhea, and intestinal bleeding.
How is diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) diagnosed?
Cutaneous mastocytosis, including its DCM subtype, can be diagnosed by physical examination when the doctor suspects the skin lesions in the patient's body are red, itchy, and sometimes blistered even if gently rubbed. Sometimes a skin biopsy can be done to formalize the diagnosis, by ensuring a high number of mast cells.
Unfortunately it is sometimes difficult to distinguish cutaneous mastocytosis from systemic mastocytosis. Therefore, additional tests can be ordered to further investigate the risk of systemic disease. Bone marrow biopsy and special blood tests can be recommended in adults with cutaneous mastocytosis, because these conditions continue to be at high risk for DCM. Affected children usually do not undergo a bone marrow biopsy unless a blood test shows abnormal results.
Can diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) be treated?
Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is a lifelong condition. Until now there has been no antidote for cutaneous mastocytosis, but there are many treatments available to control the symptoms.
Generally people who have this condition are required to avoid various things that can trigger or worsen symptoms, if possible. Factors that trigger mast cell degradation (NSAID drugs, physical stimulation, emotional stress, insect poisons, and certain foods) should be avoided.
Certain drugs, 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 photocemotherapy with UVA lasers, which can help reduce itching and improve skin appearance; However, the condition is likely to recur within six to twelve months after the last treatment.
People who are at risk for anaphylactic shock and / or those closest to them must be trained in how to recognize and treat these life-threatening reactions, and must carry epinephrine injections at any time.
