Good morning,
I'm glad to have found this site. I have cutaneous mastacytosis. I was diagnosed about three years ago, but noticed the spots begining to develop about five years ago. Since then the spots have multiplied significantly. Testing for systemic has been negative so far. I have been treated with narrow band, which seems to help reduce the spots, but within six months of stopping the spots return. I take Zyrtec daily to control the hives, and that seems to be quite helpful. Recently my dermatoligist has been experimenting with cryosurgery to reduce some of my spots. He uses a q-tip and presses liquid nytrogen on them one spot at a time. (Stings a bit, but not too painful). Within two weeks they are healed up and the spots are completely gone. It's a very effective treatment, but quite daunting since I have SO many spots! It's a treatment probably best used on smaller areas that are of cosmetic concern, like the hands or arms. Overall I am not in any discomfort or pain, I am just concerned about the spots multiplying. I would be very interested to hear if anyone has tried any other successful treatments for reducing the spots. I do not want to try PUVA, because of the risks involved, but would be open to other ideas. Has anyone had good success with a topical steroid? I tried one early on, and it did nothing.
Thx in advance for taking the time to read this and respond~

Hi Missy,
Thx for replying. What kind of laser surgery are you considering? I have read about YAG lasers being used to some success, but that is a very limited/isolated treatment - not really helpful for "all over" treatment. My dermatologist thinks "Non-ablative" laser treatment would work because it goes into the lower layers of the skin where the mast cells collect, without disturbing the upper layer. But again, used in small areas - not "all over". Are you aware of any medication that successfully slows down the production of mast cells in the body? Even that would be a blessing at this point! Thx~