ABSTRACT
Introduction: Cutaneous mastocytosis [CM] is a rare disease defined as the infiltration of the skin by mast cells. This disorder is more frequentin children. The evolution of the pediatric form to a systemic disease is rare
Patients and Methods: Our study concerned 15 children seen in the dermatology department of Charles Nicolle Hospital between 1984 and 2002. The aim of this work is to show clinic, therapeutic and evolutive particularities of this disease
Results: Sex-ratio was about 0.87 [7 males and 8 females]. The age at onset of the lesion ranged from one month to 11.5 years. Urticaria pigmentosa was observed in 11 cases, diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis in 2 cases and and xanthelasmoid form in two other children. The treatment of our patients was based essentially on preventive measures and symptomatic therapy with histamine receptor antagonists. Over a mean follow-up period of 11 months we noted regression or resolution of the lesions in 9 cases
Discussion: Urticaria pigmentosa is the most benign. However, systemic signs are more frequent in the diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis form. Preventive measures are the main therapeutic mean; especially avoidance of histamine-releasing agents