Flame figures

Flame Figures                                      See DX Path for details of the conditions below 

Flame figures are accumulations of eosinophilic basic protein from localised collections of eosinophils seen in conditions such as Wells Syndrome and insect bite reactions. 

Associated Conditions

While flame figures are the histological hallmark of Wells syndrome (eosinophilic cellulitis), they are not exclusively diagnostic for it. They represent a generalized tissue reaction to high levels of eosinophil activity and can be observed in a variety of other dermatoses: 

• Insects and Parasites: Arthropod bites, scabies, and tinea infections.
• Allergic Reactions: Eczema, urticaria, and allergic contact dermatitis.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus vegetans.
• Systemic Conditions: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome) and eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy (e.g., in leukemias).
• Other infections: Inflammatory conditions like molluscum contagiosum.