Overview
Skin may look like orange peel and joints can stiffen.
It sometimes starts after heavy exercise.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Tight skin on arms or legs
Less common
- Joint stiffness
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayNew or worse symptoms, or symptoms with fever.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.
Causes
Immune.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Adults 30 to 60: Most common age
- People after very hard exercise: Often comes on after it
Possible complications
- Joint stiffness (contractures): Tight skin can lock elbows, wrists, or knees
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Swelling can squeeze the wrist nerve
Diagnosis
A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Biopsy:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.
Self-care
- Gentle stretching
- Physical therapy
- Do stretching exercises
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to an allergist (allergy and asthma doctor).
Living with it
Support groups and helplines
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Adults 30 to 60: Most common.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Often improves with treatment.
Many improve over months to years.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- What's causing this?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- Will steroids help?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Eosinophilic fasciitis
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.