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Persistent linear bands in infancy acquired after local pressure: a consequence of mast cell activation?

Lara S Ford1, Maureen Rogers, Andrew S Kemp

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

Pediatric Dermatology
|September 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Symptomatic dermographism in a 10-month-old girl led to linear bands at the sock line after localized swelling. Mast cell mediator release is speculated to be the cause of these unusual skin markings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Allergy and Immunology

Background:

  • Dermographism is a common urticarial condition characterized by skin whealing upon stimulation.
  • Mast cell activation plays a central role in urticarial reactions.

Observation:

  • A 10-month-old infant presented with symptomatic dermographism.
  • Linear bands developed along the sock line following an episode of localized urticaria and angioedema at the same site.

Findings:

  • The development of linear bands at the sock line is a novel observation in a pediatric case.
  • The localized nature of the urticaria and angioedema preceded the linear band formation.

Implications:

  • This case suggests a potential link between mast cell mediator release in dermographism and the subsequent development of linear skin patterns.
  • Further research may elucidate the mechanisms behind this specific presentation in pediatric patients.

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