040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
What is Erythromelalgia?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Rajitha Alluri , Dermatologist
Erythromelalgia is also known as Mitchell's disease is a rare condition that causes episodes of burning pain, redness, and warmth in certain parts of the body, most often the hands and feet. These flare-ups can last minutes to hours and often get worse with heat or activity.
It happens because the small blood vessels in the skin open up too much, letting in more blood than usual. This extra blood flow makes the skin hot and painful. The exact cause isn't always clear, but it can occur on its own or alongside other health issues.
People living with erythromelalgia often find it frustrating and uncomfortable, especially since it can interfere with everyday tasks like walking, holding objects, or even sleeping.
This Erythromelalgia typically affects your:
- Hands
- Arms
- Legs
- Face
What Are the Types of Erythromelalgia?
Erythromelalgia is a rare condition that causes burning pain, redness, and warmth in the hands or feet. It can make everyday activities uncomfortable. Understanding its types can help people and their doctors choose better ways to manage it.
There are two main types of erythromelalgia:
Primary Erythromelalgia
Primary erythromelalgia is the type that happens on its own without another disease causing it. It usually starts in childhood or adolescence and can even run in families.
- Idiopathic erythromelalgia is the most common type.
- Inherited erythromelalgia results from gene mutations.
Secondary Erythromelalgia
Secondary erythromelalgia is when the symptoms of burning, redness, and warmth in the hands or feet occur because of another underlying condition. This form usually shows up in adults and requires looking deeper to find and treat the real cause.
- Blood disorders (like polycythemia vera)
- Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus)
- Nerve damage or neuropathy
- Certain medications
What Are the Symptoms of Erythromelalgia?
Erythromelalgia is a condition that can make your hands or feet feel very hot and painful. These symptoms often come and go in episodes, and they can be really uncomfortable, even upsetting. Understanding the signs can help you know when it's time to see a doctor for relief.
Common Signs of Erythromelalgia:
- Burning pain: A strong, hot feeling in the hands or feet that can be hard to ignore.
- Redness: The skin may appear red or flushed, similar to a sunburn.
- Swelling: Your hands or feet may puff up, feel tight or uncomfortable.
- Increased warmth: The affected area feels much hotter than the rest of your body.
- Pain that worsens with heat: Warm weather, exercise, or even wearing socks can make it worse.
- Relief with cooling: Symptoms often improve if you soak or rest your feet in cool water.
These symptoms can last for minutes or even hours, and they might come back repeatedly over days or weeks. If you notice these signs often, it's a good idea to talk with a doctor. They can help figure out what's causing it and discuss ways to ease the pain and prevent flare-ups.
Erythromelalgia Triggers
Certain factors can trigger or exacerbate symptoms, including:
- Heat: Warm weather or exposure to heat can worsen the symptoms.
- Exercise: Physical activity often triggers episodes.
- Stress: Emotional stress can precipitate or amplify the symptoms.
- Tight Footwear: Wearing tight shoes can exacerbate the condition, especially in the feet.
What Are the Causes of Erythromelalgia?
Erythromelalgia symptoms often worsen when the affected area is heated or after physical activity. The exact cause of Erythromelalgia isn't known, but doctors have identified a few possible reasons why someone might develop this condition.
There are two main types: primary (when the cause is unknown or inherited) and secondary (when it's linked to another health condition).
Primary Erythromelalgia Causes
- Genetic factors: Some people are born with changes in certain genes that affect how nerves send pain signals.
- Overactive nerves: In some cases, the small nerves in the skin may be too sensitive or misfire, causing pain and heat.
Secondary Erythromelalgia Causes
- Blood disorders: Conditions such as polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia can cause the blood to thicken, leading to symptoms.
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may lead to nerve and blood vessel issues.
- Nerve damage: Injuries or conditions like diabetes can damage nerves, which may lead to erythromelalgia.
- Medications: Certain drugs can sometimes cause this as a side effect.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionHow Is Erythromelalgia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing erythromelalgia can be tricky because its symptoms often look like other conditions. There isn't a single test that says, "You have erythromelalgia." Instead, doctors look carefully at your symptoms, rule out other causes, and use a step-by-step approach to understand what's going on.
Here's what usually happens during diagnosis:
- Medical History: Your doctor will ask about when the symptoms started, what triggers them (such as heat or exercise), and how long they last.
- Physical Exam: They'll look at your skin, checking for redness, warmth, and swelling during an episode.
- Symptom Triggers: Sometimes, your doctor might gently warm your feet or hands to see if symptoms appear.
- Nerve Tests: These may be conducted to determine if nerve problems are involved.
- Rule Out Other Conditions: Doctors want to ensure it's not another issue, such as peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's disease, or arthritis.
- Blood tests are used to check for other causes, such as infections, inflammation, or blood disorders.
It is essential to discuss your symptoms openly and honestly with your doctor. The more details you share, the better they can help you find relief and manage flare-ups.
How Is Erythromelalgia Treated?
Erythromelalgia can be uncomfortable and even painful, but there are ways to manage it and help you feel better. Treatment focuses on easing the burning, redness, and warmth in your hands or feet and avoiding things that trigger flare-ups.
Here's how Erythromelalgia is usually treated:
- Cooling the affected area: Soaking feet or hands in cool (not ice-cold) water or using a fan can bring relief.
- Avoiding triggers: Heat, exercise, or tight shoes can worsen symptoms, so it helps to identify and avoid these.
- Elevating the feet or hands: Lifting them can reduce swelling and pain.
- Gentle skin care: Moisturising and protecting the skin can help prevent cracks or infections.
- Lifestyle changes: Staying in a cool environment, wearing open footwear, and avoiding alcohol or spicy foods may reduce flare-ups.
- Supportive care: Counselling or support groups can help cope with the discomfort and frustration of a chronic condition.
It's important to work closely with your doctor to find what combination of strategies helps you the most.
What Medications Might I Need?
Managing erythromelalgia often includes medications to help control pain, reduce burning, and improve blood flow. Your doctor will select the most suitable options based on your symptoms and medical history.
Possible medications include:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription options can help reduce discomfort.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines: These may help with swelling and irritation.
- Topical creams: Local anesthetic or soothing creams can calm burning sensations.
- Nerve pain medicines: Drugs used for nerve pain (like gabapentin or pregabalin) may reduce the burning feeling.
- Blood-thinning medicines: In some cases, mild blood thinners can improve circulation.
- Antidepressants: Certain types help with chronic pain even if you're not depressed.
- Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers: These help some patients by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Every person responds differently, so you may need to try a few options to see what works best. Always talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.
When to See a Doctor for Erythromelalgia?
Erythromelalgia can be uncomfortable and sometimes very painful, so knowing when to get medical help is important. Don't ignore ongoing or severe symptoms.
You should see a doctor if:
- Your feet or hands feel hot, red, or swollen often
- Pain gets worse with warmth or exercise and doesn't improve with rest
- The burning sensation keeps you awake at night
- Over-the-counter pain relief doesn't help
- You notice your skin changing colour or developing sores
- Symptoms start affecting daily activities or work
- You have other health conditions, such as diabetes or circulation problems
If symptoms suddenly appear rapidly, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor can help identify underlying causes, recommend treatments, and assist you in finding ways to manage your discomfort.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Consult Erythromelalgia Doctors Today
What Is the Recovery Process After Erythromelalgia Treatment?
Recovering from erythromelalgia depends on how well symptoms are managed since there isn't a single "cure." Most people focus on reducing flare-ups and staying comfortable.
During recovery, you can expect:
- Regular doctor visits to adjust medications.
- Cooling the feet or hands safely (avoid ice burns).
- Gentle exercises to keep blood flowing well.
- Learning which triggers, such as heat or exercise, exacerbate symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes like loose clothing and staying in cooler environments.
How Can I Prevent Erythromelalgia?
While erythromelalgia often can't be completely prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce flare-ups and keep symptoms under control.
Here are some practical tips:
- Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing.
- Keep feet or hands cool with fans or cool water (avoid direct ice).
- Manage stress, which can sometimes trigger episodes.
- Follow your doctor's advice about medications or treatments.
- Watch for early signs of a flare-up and act quickly to cool down.
- Avoid long periods of standing or intense exercise without breaks.
By paying attention to your body and learning what triggers your symptoms, you can have fewer, milder episodes and enjoy a more comfortable daily life.
Complications of Erythromelalgia
If erythromelalgia isn't managed well, it can lead to problems that make daily life harder. That's why it's important to stay on top of symptoms and treatment.
Possible complications include:
- Skin damage from frequent heating and cooling.
- Open sores or ulcers occur if the skin breaks down.
- Risk of infections from scratching or wounds.
- Sleep problems due to nighttime flare-ups.
- Anxiety or stress about sudden attacks.
- Reduced ability to exercise or do daily tasks comfortably.
Managing triggers, taking medicines as prescribed, and caring for your skin all make a big difference in keeping symptoms under control and maintaining a good quality of life.
Our Experience in Treating Erythromelalgia
At Medicover, we understand how uncomfortable and distressing erythromelalgia can be. The burning pain, redness, and warmth in your hands or feet can interrupt daily life and sleep. That's why our team takes a careful and compassionate approach to treating this rare condition.
Every case of erythromelalgia is unique. We combine expert knowledge with patient-first care to help ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
