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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

12:23
Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Bullous urticaria pigmentosa
F A Leaf1, E P Jaecks, D R Rodriguez
1Division of Dermatology, Virginia Mason Clinic, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Cutis
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Urticaria pigmentosa, a common skin condition, can rarely present with blisters. This case highlights bullous urticaria pigmentosa, particularly affecting the scalp, with a review of prognosis and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Pathology
Background:
- Urticaria pigmentosa is the most frequent presentation of cutaneous mastocytosis.
- It predominantly affects infants and young children, accounting for 75% of cases.
- While typically presenting as skin lesions, bullous formations are an occasional, though rare, manifestation.
Observation:
- This report details an unusual case of bullous urticaria pigmentosa.
- The patient exhibited significant involvement of the scalp with blister formation.
- This presentation deviates from the typical morphology of urticaria pigmentosa.
Findings:
- The case underscores the variability in clinical presentation of cutaneous mastocytosis.
- Bullous lesions, though infrequent, can occur in urticaria pigmentosa.
- Scalp involvement can be a prominent feature in these rare presentations.
Implications:
- Recognizing bullous urticaria pigmentosa is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Understanding the spectrum of mastocytosis presentations aids in clinical decision-making.
- Further investigation into the factors leading to bullous formation may refine therapeutic strategies.
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