Eosinophilic cellulitis, also known as Wells' syndrome (not to be confused with Weil's disease), is a skin disease that presents with painful, red, raised, and warm patches of skin.[1] The rash comes on suddenly, lasts for a few weeks, and often repeatedly comes back.[1]Scar formation does not typically occur.[2]
Eosinophilic cellulitis is of unknown cause.[1] It is suspected to be an autoimmune disorder.[1] It may be triggered by bites from insects and arachnids such as spiders, fleas, or ticks, or from medications or surgery.[1] Diagnosis is made after other potential cases are ruled out.[2]Skin biopsy of the affected areas may show an increased number of eosinophils.[1] Other conditions that may appear similar include cellulitis, contact dermatitis, and severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.[1]
Treatment is often with a corticosteroids.[1] Steroids applied as a cream is generally recommended over the use of steroids by mouth.[3]Antihistamines may be used to help with itchiness.[2] Many times the condition goes away after a few weeks without treatment.[1] The condition is uncommon.[2] It affects both sexes with the same frequency.[1] It was first described by George Crichton Wells in 1971.[2][4]
Eosinophilic cellulitis is of unknown cause.[1] It is suspected to be an autoimmune disorder.[1] It may be triggered by bites from insects such as mosquitos,[5] spiders, fleas, or ticks, or from medications or surgery.[1]
Diagnosis
Файл:HistEosinCell.jpgHistology of a skin biopsy from acute phase eosinophilic cellulitis. Note findings of plentiful tissue eosinophils and flame figures at the deeper corium sections (hematoxylin & eosin, original magnification ×40).
Diagnosis requires ruling out other potential causes.[2] This includes ruling out vasculitis on skin biopsy.[2]
Treatment
Treatment is often with a steroids.[1] This can be either applied as a cream or taken by mouth.[3] As the condition tends to get better on its own taking steroids by mouth should generally only be tried if the rash covers a large area and it does not get better with other measures.[3]
