Wells disease or eosinophilic cellulitis

It is characterized by the presence of a high number of eosinophils (type of blood cell) both at the level of skin lesions and at the level of the blood. Its evolution can be self-limited and recurrent and can affect both adult individuals and children and / or adolescents, even newborns.

Causes

Although the exact cause is unknown, a multitude of diseases (both caused by external factors and by internal factors, specific to the body) have been associated with the appearance and subsequent eventual recurrences of this disease:

• s (spiders, mosquitoes ...).
• Body infections (viruses such as chickenpox, herpes, bacteria, parasites, fungi).
• Taking certain medications.
• Suffering from myeloproliferative diseases.

The most widely accepted hypothesis to try to explain its appearance is the existence of a phenomenon of hypersensitivity to various factors in the affected person.

There may be a history of atopy (allergy) and / or previous urticaria in the patient.

Clinical picture

The disease usually begins with the appearance of an (itch) in a certain anatomical area (generally on the extremities or trunk and, less frequently on the face), followed by the almost immediate appearance of a few erythematous skin lesions (reddened), single or multiple, which can be:

• Nodular (compact),
• Edematous (with water content)
• Bullous and more or less indurated, which progress in a few days, some healing spontaneously and new ones appearing.

The condition can resolve spontaneously without leaving permanent residual lesions in a matter of weeks or months, although recurrences are frequent.