Understanding Erythromelalgia: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Erythromelalgia is a rare chronic disorder characterized by excessive blood flow, causing systemic symptoms. It typically affects the feet but may affect the arms, face, hands and legs. Primary erythromelalgia is not caused due to another condition, idiopathic erythromelalgia being the most common type. Secondary erythromelalgia is due to underlying causes such as lupus, essential thrombocytopenia, polycythemia vera, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and neuropathy. This condition is characterized by flares, triggered by caffeine, dehydration, alcohol, spicy food, exercise, stress, and a warm environment.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms may include an increase in skin temperature, pain, redness, itching, sweating in uncommon areas, tingling sensation and swelling.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. Further evaluation may include blood tests, geneting testing, thermography, and imaging tests.

Treatment

For secondary erythromelalgia, treating the underlying cause may help. Primary erythromelalgia may include medications such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antihistamines, and painkillers.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital