Pediatric Wells syndrome (eosinophilic cellulitis) after vaccination: A case report and review of the literature

Pediatr Dermatol. 2018 Sep;35(5):e262-e264. doi: 10.1111/pde.13532. Epub 2018 Jul 12.

Abstract

A 4-year-old boy presented with erythematous vesicular plaques, ulceration, edema, and pruritus on the left foot and ankle 10 days after receiving the tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio; measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella; and hepatitis A/B vaccines. Biopsy showed eosinophilic infiltrates and flame figures, suggesting Wells syndrome. Patch testing showed a 1+ reaction to neomycin and aluminum hydroxide, with a recall reaction of Wells syndrome of the feet bilaterally. We report a rare case of pediatric Wells syndrome triggered by nonthimerosal vaccine components confirmed by patch testing.

Keywords: Wells syndrome; drug reaction; eosinophilic cellulitis; vaccines.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / adverse effects*
  • Aluminum Hydroxide / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Cellulitis / diagnosis*
  • Cellulitis / etiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Eosinophilia / diagnosis*
  • Eosinophilia / etiology
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neomycin / adverse effects*
  • Patch Tests / methods
  • Skin / pathology
  • Vaccination / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Aluminum Hydroxide
  • Neomycin

Supplementary concepts

  • Wells syndrome