Two cases of wells syndrome with marked swelling in the hands

Abstract

Wells syndrome or eosinophilic cellulitis is an idiopathic inflammatory dermatitis characterized by a benign but recurrent evolution. It often causes edematous urticarial plaques on the extremities. Herein, we report two rare cases of Wells syndrome with marked swelling in the hands. Both cases exhibited various clinical features. Case 1 was Wells syndrome with collagen disease-like sclerotic edema in the fingers and annular erythema on the trunk. Case 2 was Wells syndrome with diffuse plate-like hardening of the forearm mimicking cellulitis, which required fasciotomy due to suspected compartment syndrome at the emergency room. Wells syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with marked diffuse swelling in the hands.

Keywords

• eosinophilic cellulitis
• hands swelling
• wells syndrome