Symptoms:

• Tenderness and swelling of the arms and legs (occasionally including joints)
• Thickened skin with puckered appearance
• Joint contractures
• Muscle weakness
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Weakness in one or both hands
  • Numbness or tingling in one or both hands
  • Pain in one or both hands
  • Inability to make a fist with one or both hands
  • Dry, shiny nails and skin

Signs and tests:

Tests that may be done include:

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Blood tests to check for gamma globulins (a type of immune system cell) and eosinophils
• Muscle biopsy
• Skin biopsy

Treatment:

Treatment with corticosteroid medications provides relief of the symptoms, especially when they are started early in the disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also help relief symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

In most cases, the condition goes away within 3 to 5 years. However, symptoms may return (recur) or persist.

Complications:

Arthritis is a rare complication of eosinophilic fasciitis. Some patients may develop blood-related cancers.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider for an appointment if symptoms of this disorder develop.

Prevention:

There is no known prevention.