URTICARIA PIGMENTOSA: IMPACTS ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE ROLE OF PHARMACOTHERAPY IN SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
Abstract
Urticaria pigmentosa is the most prevalent form of cutaneous mastocytosis in adults, characterized by the abnormal accumulation of mast cells in the dermis, manifesting as hyperpigmented lesions, intense pruritus, and, in some cases, systemic symptoms resulting from the release of inflammatory mediators. Although life expectancy is generally preserved, the condition imposes a considerable physical, emotional, and social burden, with direct repercussions on quality of life. This study constitutes a narrative literature review based on publications indexed in PubMed/MEDLINE, PMC, and Orphanet from 2021 to 2026, aiming to analyze the disease's impact on quality of life and to evaluate the effectiveness of the main pharmacotherapeutic strategies available. Results indicate that domains such as sleep, emotional well-being, social functioning, and work capacity are most affected. Regarding treatment, H1 and H2 antihistamines remain first-line options; omalizumab stands out in refractory cases; and tyrosine kinase inhibitors — midostaurin and avapritinib — represent significant advances, particularly in the management of indolent systemic mastocytosis. It is concluded that integrating effective pharmacological interventions into clinical care substantially improves patient well-being, underscoring the need for an individualized and multiprofessional therapeutic approach.
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