Honey, you’re allergic.
Dermatographia, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria… the skin issues go on and on.
If your dermatitis issues never end. And you’re tired of being prescribed new creams and steroids that never seem to really get to the bottom of the issue… ask your provider about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.
Dermatologists can do a simple test (in office) where they take a few cells from the irritated area to text for overly active mast cells to see if Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is the driving force behind your consistently inconsistent dermatological issues.
What is MCAS?
MCAS is a condition that causes intense episodes of swelling, shortness of breath, hives, diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms. In severe cases, it may lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis. It’s caused by mast cells (mistakenly) alerting your immune system that there’s something harmful in your body (source).
Is MCAS only related to skin issues?
Absolutely, not. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome(s) is/are one type of many Mast Cell Diseases that are currently recognized. Before we get too deep, let’s take a step back.
What are Mast Cells
Mast cells are white blood cells that release chemicals (like histamine) when triggered.
This can happen in any being- like with a mosquito bite- mast cells release chemicals that then cause the mosquito bite to swell up, itch/burn, etc.
In a condition called mastocytosis, there are WAY too many mast cells in the body- which leads to normal reactions being amplified or made worse- the typical reactions are stronger.
In MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome) the mast cells are hypersensitive to triggers and release chemicals incredibly too easily. What sets them off? Literally anything and everything. They can be triggered by: genetics, food, environment/ location, fumes, medicine, or other health issues.
Some triggers are more common than others but can vary from person to person within the mast cell community. There’s often the saying “no two masties are alike”.
What does diagnosis look like?
Diagnosis for mast cells conditions is ever changing. From blood work, urine tests, bone marrow biopsies, genetic testing, and empirical testing- the process can vary from physician to physician. That said… there’s more and more research being done to help prevent under diagnosing mast cell conditions and encourage more physicians to recognize the signs and symptoms of this rare but ever-growing disease.
The Mast Cell Disease Society shares more information on what different testing looks like for the varying Mast Cell Diseases. Check out this link and use it as a guide when speaking with your physician: click me!
Hold tight. Lots of additional information coming soon!!
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