Urticaria pigmentosa on the chest: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image

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Urticaria pigmentosa on the chest



	Urticaria pigmentosa is characterized by several to many brownish spots that itch and, when scratched, produce welts and reddened skin. The brown spots, seen here on the chest, contain mast cells with high levels of histamine. People sometimes develop generalized flushing and headaches from the massive histamine release from these spots.

Update Date: 10/28/2008

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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