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 is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Eosinophilic Fasciitis. Her top areas of expertise are Dermatomyositis, Eosinophilic Fasciitis, Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE).
University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center At Dallas
Joseph Merola is a Dermatologist and a Rheumatologist in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Merola is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Eosinophilic Fasciitis. His top areas of expertise are Psoriasis, Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), Psoriatic Arthritis, and Arthritis.
Benjamin Chaigne practices in Paris, France. Mr. Chaigne is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Eosinophilic Fasciitis. His top areas of expertise are Eosinophilic Fasciitis, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Pancreas Transplant, and Islet Cell Transplantation.
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.
Published Date: January 28, 2025
Published By: Diane M. Horowitz, MD, Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY. 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.
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James WD. Connective tissue diseases. In: James WD, ed. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 8.
National Organization for Rare Disorders. Eosinophilic fasciitis. rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/eosinophilic-fasciitis/. Updated May 9, 2016. Accessed February 14, 2025.
Varga J. Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 246.