A Simple Itch or a MCAS Glitch?

Do you suffer from unexplained itching, hives, rashes, swelling and/or flushing? It could be related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Mast cells are very important to the body’s immune system. They help respond to foreign substances in the body like bacteria and parasites. Mast Cells are activated when your body is having an allergic reaction. In people with MCAS, their mast cells become overactive causing inflammation and allergic symptoms.

When I was 17 years old, after giving birth to my first born, I started developing hives and random itching. The random itching would mostly happen at night. When I would scratch one itch, another part of my body would start itching. Scratching became a nightly ritual. I noticed that my legs would itch when wearing pants if my hair wasn’t shaved. The hives would come and go, and I could not find the source. The hives would appear between my fingers and toes, and on my legs, and stomach. The area would also be swollen and red and more times than not, the area would also bruise. The itching was so intense I would scratch myself with sanding pads and cry for relief. I tried every over-the-counter itch medication with no relief. My allergist put me on hydroxyzine to calm the itch and it worked for a little while, but it made me very sleepy and before I knew it, I was taking 4 hydroxyzine at

a time to get the smallest amount of relief. I went back to my allergist and he spoke of a new medication that was approved for asthma but supposed to help with chronic hives, Xolair. I received my first Xolair injection roughly 10 years ago and, knock on wood, no hives since! This does not mean Xolair will work for you but if you haven’t tried it, it may be worth looking into.

Please feel free to comment, ask questions, and/or share your story. Individually we can’t, TOGETHER WE CAN!