Erythromelalgia

Erythromelalgia: Understanding and Treating Localized Painful Swelling of the Skin

Erythromelalgia, also known as Mitchell's disease, is a rare neurological condition characterized by painful swelling of the skin, usually on the extremities. The term "erythromelalgia" comes from the Greek words "erythro-," meaning "red," "melos," which translates to "part of the body" or "limb," and "algos," meaning "pain." This name reflects the main symptoms and nature of the disease.

Patients suffering from erythromelalgia often experience intense pain, redness and swelling of the skin. Symptoms usually occur on the legs and less frequently on the arms. They can be caused by various factors, such as increased ambient temperature, exercise, consumption of certain foods or alcohol, and stress. Lowering the temperature or elevating the limb on your own may provide temporary relief of symptoms.

The underlying causes of erythromelalgia are still not fully understood. However, there are several hypotheses regarding the mechanisms underlying this disease. One of them is associated with dysfunction of the nerve fibers responsible for regulating blood flow and thermoregulation. Another hypothesis suggests a hereditary predisposition to the development of erythromelalgia.

The diagnosis of erythromelalgia is based on clinical manifestations and the exclusion of other possible causes of symptoms, such as arthritis, varicose veins, or allergic reactions. Consultation with a neurologist or rheumatologist may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of erythromelalgia is aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients. Treatment approaches include wearing shoes and clothing, avoiding warm environments, cooling the extremities, pharmacotherapy, and some alternative methods such as relaxation techniques or transcranial stimulation. An individual treatment plan is developed by a doctor taking into account the characteristics of each patient.

Although erythromelalgia is a chronic condition, regular monitoring and following your doctor's recommendations can help reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms. It's also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, reducing stress, and avoiding triggers that may cause flare-ups.

In conclusion, erythromelalgia is a rare neurological condition characterized by painful swelling of the skin on the extremities. Understanding of this disease is still limited and its causes are not fully known. However, there are various treatment approaches that can help relieve symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. If you suspect you have erythromelalgia, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis and to develop a personalized treatment plan.



Erythromelagia is a rare disease that is characterized by severe attacks of pain and redness in certain areas of the skin. The skin areas most commonly affected are around the nose, cheeks, around the eyes and on the hands.

Erythromelagia occurs as a result of vascular dysfunction, which causes increased metabolism in skin cells and dilation of small vessels. This causes the skin to become red and hot, as well as a feeling of heat and pain in the affected areas.

The causes of erythromelagia can be varied. The most common causes are various diseases such as cancer, polyarthritis, arthritis, neuropathic diseases, skin infection, viral infections, heart disease and other diseases.

Symptoms of erythromelagia appear as attacks of pain and redness that can last from a few minutes to several hours. The pain can be sharp or dull and localized to one or more areas of the body. Besides