Learn About Eosinophilic Fasciitis
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a syndrome in which tissue under the skin and over the muscle, called fascia, becomes swollen, inflamed and thick. The skin on the arms, legs, neck, abdomen or feet can swell quickly. The condition is very rare.
EF may look similar to scleroderma, but is not related. Unlike scleroderma, in EF, the fingers are not involved.
Shulman syndrome
The cause of EF is unknown. Rare cases have occurred after taking L-tryptophan supplements. In people with this condition, white blood cells, called eosinophils, build up in the muscles and tissues. Eosinophils are linked to allergic reactions. The syndrome is more common in people ages 30 to 60.
Symptoms may include:
- Tenderness and swelling of the skin on the arms, legs, or sometimes the joints (most often on both sides of the body)
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Muscle pain
- Thickened skin that looks puckered
Corticosteroids and other immune-suppressing medicines are used to relieve symptoms. These medicines are more effective when started early in the disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also help reduce symptoms.
Brigham Dermatology Associates At Brigham And Womens Hospital
Ruth Vleugels is a Dermatologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Vleugels and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Eosinophilic Fasciitis. Her top areas of expertise are Dermatomyositis, Eosinophilic Fasciitis, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), and Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE).
Anne Frank is a Pediatrics specialist and an Internal Medicine provider in Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Frank and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Eosinophilic Fasciitis. Her top area of expertise is Eosinophilic Fasciitis.
Ai-tram Bui is a Dermatologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Bui and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Eosinophilic Fasciitis. Her top areas of expertise are Eosinophilic Fasciitis, Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), Bullous Pemphigoid, and Histiocytosis.
In most cases, the condition goes away within 1 to 3 years. However, symptoms may last longer or come back.
Arthritis is a rare complication of EF. Some people may develop serious blood disorders or blood-related cancers, such as aplastic anemia or leukemia. The outlook is much worse if blood diseases occur.
Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder.
There is no known prevention.
Summary: Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare musculoskeletal disorder characterized by inflammation and thickening of the fascia, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. Conventional treatment options include immunosuppressive medications, corticosteroids, and physical therapy. This case report will describe use of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) using the Mectronic Exand MY high-inten...
Published Date: January 25, 2023
Published By: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Aronson JK. Tryptophan. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier B.V.; 2016:220-221.
Florentino DF, Werth VP. Skin and rheumatic diseases. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 46.
James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Connective tissue diseases. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 8.
National Organization for Rare Disorders. Eosinophilic fasciitis. rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/eosinophilic-fasciitis/. Updated 2016. Accessed March 3, 2023.
Pinal-Fernandez I, Selva-O' Callaghan A, Grau JM. Diagnosis and classification of eosinophilic fasciitis. Autoimmun Rev. 2014;13(4-5):379-382. PMID: 24424187 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24424187/.