Eosinophilic cellulitis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Eosinophilic cellulitis | |||
| image = [[File:SkinInEosinCell.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Skin affected by eosinophilic cellulitis | |||
| synonyms = Wells syndrome | |||
| pronunciation = | |||
| specialty = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Itching]], [[redness]], [[swelling]] | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = | |||
| causes = Unknown, possibly [[allergic reaction]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Skin biopsy]], [[clinical examination]] | |||
| differential = [[Cellulitis]], [[urticaria]], [[contact dermatitis]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Corticosteroids]], [[antihistamines]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
[[File:HistEosinCell.jpg|Histology Eosin Cell|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Eosinophilic cellulitis''', also known as '''Wells' syndrome''', is a rare skin condition characterized by highly inflammatory lesions that may appear anywhere on the body. The hallmark of this condition is the presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the affected skin areas. Eosinophilic cellulitis is of unknown etiology, though it is thought to be a hypersensitivity reaction to various triggers. | '''Eosinophilic cellulitis''', also known as '''Wells' syndrome''', is a rare skin condition characterized by highly inflammatory lesions that may appear anywhere on the body. The hallmark of this condition is the presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the affected skin areas. Eosinophilic cellulitis is of unknown etiology, though it is thought to be a hypersensitivity reaction to various triggers. | ||
==Symptoms and Signs== | ==Symptoms and Signs== | ||
The symptoms of eosinophilic cellulitis can vary but typically include the sudden onset of itchy, red, and swollen areas on the skin. These areas may evolve into plaques or nodules and often have a characteristic orange peel appearance. The lesions may be accompanied by fever and general malaise. Unlike other forms of cellulitis, eosinophilic cellulitis lesions are more likely to recur and can persist for weeks to months before resolving, sometimes leaving behind temporary or permanent skin discoloration. | The symptoms of eosinophilic cellulitis can vary but typically include the sudden onset of itchy, red, and swollen areas on the skin. These areas may evolve into plaques or nodules and often have a characteristic orange peel appearance. The lesions may be accompanied by fever and general malaise. Unlike other forms of cellulitis, eosinophilic cellulitis lesions are more likely to recur and can persist for weeks to months before resolving, sometimes leaving behind temporary or permanent skin discoloration. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The exact cause of eosinophilic cellulitis remains unknown. It is believed to be an immune-mediated condition, possibly triggered by infections, insect bites, drugs, or underlying health conditions that stimulate an eosinophilic response. However, in many cases, no specific trigger can be identified. | The exact cause of eosinophilic cellulitis remains unknown. It is believed to be an immune-mediated condition, possibly triggered by infections, insect bites, drugs, or underlying health conditions that stimulate an eosinophilic response. However, in many cases, no specific trigger can be identified. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of eosinophilic cellulitis is primarily based on clinical examination and the characteristic histopathological findings in a skin biopsy. The biopsy will show an infiltration of eosinophils in the dermis and sometimes flame figures, which are aggregates of eosinophilic granules and degenerated collagen. Differential diagnosis includes other forms of cellulitis, dermatitis, and eosinophilic granuloma. | Diagnosis of eosinophilic cellulitis is primarily based on clinical examination and the characteristic histopathological findings in a skin biopsy. The biopsy will show an infiltration of eosinophils in the dermis and sometimes flame figures, which are aggregates of eosinophilic granules and degenerated collagen. Differential diagnosis includes other forms of cellulitis, dermatitis, and eosinophilic granuloma. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment of eosinophilic cellulitis typically involves systemic corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. In cases where corticosteroids are contraindicated or not effective, other immunosuppressive agents such as dapsone or cyclosporine may be used. Antihistamines can help manage itching. Identifying and avoiding potential triggers is also an important aspect of management. | Treatment of eosinophilic cellulitis typically involves systemic corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. In cases where corticosteroids are contraindicated or not effective, other immunosuppressive agents such as dapsone or cyclosporine may be used. Antihistamines can help manage itching. Identifying and avoiding potential triggers is also an important aspect of management. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for eosinophilic cellulitis is generally good, with most cases responding well to treatment. However, the condition can recur, requiring ongoing management and follow-up with a dermatologist. | The prognosis for eosinophilic cellulitis is generally good, with most cases responding well to treatment. However, the condition can recur, requiring ongoing management and follow-up with a dermatologist. | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
Eosinophilic cellulitis is a rare condition, and its exact prevalence is unknown. It can occur in individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity, though some studies suggest a slight predominance in adults. | Eosinophilic cellulitis is a rare condition, and its exact prevalence is unknown. It can occur in individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity, though some studies suggest a slight predominance in adults. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Cellulitis]] | * [[Cellulitis]] | ||
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* [[Dermatitis]] | * [[Dermatitis]] | ||
* [[Immunosuppression]] | * [[Immunosuppression]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Immune system disorders]] | [[Category:Immune system disorders]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 02:10, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Eosinophilic cellulitis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Wells syndrome |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Itching, redness, swelling |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Unknown, possibly allergic reaction |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Skin biopsy, clinical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Cellulitis, urticaria, contact dermatitis |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Corticosteroids, antihistamines |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | |
Eosinophilic cellulitis, also known as Wells' syndrome, is a rare skin condition characterized by highly inflammatory lesions that may appear anywhere on the body. The hallmark of this condition is the presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the affected skin areas. Eosinophilic cellulitis is of unknown etiology, though it is thought to be a hypersensitivity reaction to various triggers.
Symptoms and Signs[edit]
The symptoms of eosinophilic cellulitis can vary but typically include the sudden onset of itchy, red, and swollen areas on the skin. These areas may evolve into plaques or nodules and often have a characteristic orange peel appearance. The lesions may be accompanied by fever and general malaise. Unlike other forms of cellulitis, eosinophilic cellulitis lesions are more likely to recur and can persist for weeks to months before resolving, sometimes leaving behind temporary or permanent skin discoloration.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of eosinophilic cellulitis remains unknown. It is believed to be an immune-mediated condition, possibly triggered by infections, insect bites, drugs, or underlying health conditions that stimulate an eosinophilic response. However, in many cases, no specific trigger can be identified.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of eosinophilic cellulitis is primarily based on clinical examination and the characteristic histopathological findings in a skin biopsy. The biopsy will show an infiltration of eosinophils in the dermis and sometimes flame figures, which are aggregates of eosinophilic granules and degenerated collagen. Differential diagnosis includes other forms of cellulitis, dermatitis, and eosinophilic granuloma.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of eosinophilic cellulitis typically involves systemic corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. In cases where corticosteroids are contraindicated or not effective, other immunosuppressive agents such as dapsone or cyclosporine may be used. Antihistamines can help manage itching. Identifying and avoiding potential triggers is also an important aspect of management.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for eosinophilic cellulitis is generally good, with most cases responding well to treatment. However, the condition can recur, requiring ongoing management and follow-up with a dermatologist.
Epidemiology[edit]
Eosinophilic cellulitis is a rare condition, and its exact prevalence is unknown. It can occur in individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity, though some studies suggest a slight predominance in adults.
See Also[edit]
