Overview
Wells syndrome, also known as eosinophilic cellulitis, is a rare inflammatory skin condition. It causes episodes of swelling, redness, and itching that look a lot like a bacterial skin infection (cellulitis), but it is not caused by bacteria. Instead, the immune system overreacts and sends too many eosinophils — a type of white blood cell — into the skin. This causes inflammation and damage to the skin tissue. During a flare, the affected skin becomes red, warm, swollen, and sometimes blistered. Over days to weeks, the redness often fades to a greenish or brownish color, and the skin may feel firm or hardened. These episodes can come and go over months or years. Some people have just one episode in their lifetime, while others have repeated flares. Wells syndrome can affect people of any age, including children. It is often mistaken for other skin conditions, which can delay diagnosis. Treatment usually involves corticosteroids like prednisone, which help calm the immune response and clear up flares. Most people respond well to treatment, though flares can return. The condition is not life-threatening in most cases, but it can significantly affect quality of life.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Red, swollen, warm patches of skin that look like a skin infectionIntense itching or burning sensation on the skinBlisters or fluid-filled bumps on the affected skinSkin that turns greenish or brownish as the flare fadesFirm or hardened skin texture during or after a flareRecurring episodes of skin inflammationMild fever during a flare in some casesSwollen lymph nodes near the affected area in some casesGeneral feeling of being unwell during a flare
Clinical phenotype terms (9)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Wells syndrome.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Wells syndrome at this time.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Wells syndrome.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is causing my immune system to react this way, and is there an underlying trigger we should look for?,How do I know if my skin flare is Wells syndrome or a real bacterial infection that needs antibiotics?,What are the risks of long-term steroid use, and are there safer alternatives for preventing future flares?,How likely am I to have more flares, and what can I do to reduce that risk?,Should I see an allergist or immunologist in addition to a dermatologist?,Are there any lifestyle changes or things to avoid that might help prevent flares?,What should I do if a flare starts — do I need to go to the emergency room or can I manage it at home?
Common questions about Wells syndrome
What is Wells syndrome?
Wells syndrome, also known as eosinophilic cellulitis, is a rare inflammatory skin condition. It causes episodes of swelling, redness, and itching that look a lot like a bacterial skin infection (cellulitis), but it is not caused by bacteria. Instead, the immune system overreacts and sends too many eosinophils — a type of white blood cell — into the skin. This causes inflammation and damage to the skin tissue. During a flare, the affected skin becomes red, warm, swollen, and sometimes blistered. Over days to weeks, the redness often fades to a greenish or brownish color, and the skin may feel
How is Wells syndrome inherited?
Wells syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Wells syndrome?
4 specialists and care centers treating Wells syndrome are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.