Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex

This complex encompasses three different syndromes: eosinophilic plaque, eosinophilic granuloma, and indolent ulcer. All 3 syndromes are similar in their cause and treatment. They look different and can develop on different areas of the body.

Eosinophils are cells in the body that react to an allergy or parasite. Since eosinophils are the most dominate cells associated with these syndromes, food allergy, seasonal allergy, or flea/mosquito bites are the probable causes.

Eosinophilic plaque: Small, round, raised, reddened area on the thighs or abdomen. There is usually hair loss. Can be solitary or have many plagues next to each other.Eosinophilic granuloma: A line of plaques located on the thighs or anywhere on the body. This syndrome can be found on the chin, inside the mouth, or on the feet. This can cause drooling, trouble eating, a swollen chin, or lameness.Indolent ulcer: Yellowish ulcers seen on the upper lip.

All of these syndromes usually respond well to injectable or oral steroids. However, due to the side effects, finding the offending allergen and avoiding it is the preferable treatment. A diet change may be indicated, and allergy shots can improve up to 70% of patients with seasonal allergy. Antibiotics are sometimes needed, especially if the patient has licked or scratched the lesions excessively or the lesions are in the mouth. Topical flea prevention is wise. In very mild cases, the symptoms may wax and wane without therapy.