cardiovascular disorders
Erythromelalgia
Introduction
Erythromelalgia is distressing paroxysmal vasodilation of small arteries in the feet and hands and, less commonly, in the face, ears, or knees; it causes burning pain, increased skin temperature, and redness. Thisraredisorder may be Primary (cause unknown) It may also be secondary to Diabetes Mellitus (DM) None Gout None Hypertension None Lichen Sclerosus None Multiple Sclerosis (MS) None Overview of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (eg, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) None Spinal cord disorders Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) None Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Post-Thrombotic Syndrome None Less commonly, the disorder is related to the use of some medications (eg,nifedipine,bromocriptine). A rare hereditary form of erythromelalgia starts at birth or during childhood. C) and are typically relieved by immersion in ice water. Trophic changes do not occur. Symptoms may remain mild for years or become severe enough to cause total disability. Generalized vasomotor dysfunction is common, and Raynaud Syndrome may occur. Diagnosis of erythromelalgia is clinical. Testing is done to detect causes. Because erythromelalgia may precede a myeloproliferative disorder by several years, repeated blood counts may be indicated. Differential diagnosis includes posttraumatic reflex dystrophies, shoulder-hand syndrome, Peripheral Neuropathy , causalgia, Treatment of erythromelalgia is warmth avoidance, rest, elevation of the extremity, and application of cold. For primary erythromelalgia,gabapentinmay be of benefit. For secondary erythromelalgia, the underlying disorder is treated;aspirinmay be helpful when a myeloproliferative disorder is the cause. 