Erythromelalgia is a rare foot condition affecting the body’s extremities, including the feet. It is a chronic condition and needs lifestyle management and medication for a better quality of life.
What Causes Erythromelalgia?
An excess of blood flow causes Erythromelalgia throughout the body and a rise in body temperature. This can be triggered by:
- Caffeinated drinks
- Dehydration
- Alcohol
- Overly spicy food
- Intense exercise
- Stress
- Warm room or environment
What Are Erythromelalgia Symptoms?
- Increase in skin temperature
- Tingling to severe burning
- Redness of skin
- Itching
- Cold Skin
- Sweating
- Swelling
- Tender, blotchy skin
Treatment for Erythromelalgia
Erythromelalgia has different treatment plans depending on the cause of the condition. Medicines used for the manifested symptoms will often be part of the treatment plan.
- It could include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antihistamines, aspirin, blood pressure medicines, and painkillers.
- Other treatments include lidocaine infusions, nutritional supplements, pain management therapies, and topical medications.
- Nonmedical therapies that can help include elevating the affected area, resting on an excellent surface, standing under an air-conditioner or a fan, and placing cool gel packs on the skin.
Coping with Erythromelalgia
Lifestyle changes can help manage and prevent flare-ups. Some small ways to manage this condition include:
- Avoiding food and beverage triggers like caffeine or spicy foods that may raise the temperature.
- Doing gentle exercises that provide physical activity without significantly raising temperatures, like swimming, yoga, and Tai Chi.
- Staying in cool environments.
- Avoiding going out on very warm days.
- Taking an umbrella while venturing out during the day to protect yourself from direct heat.
- Doing outdoor activities in the evenings when it is cooler.
- Using an air conditioner ensures the body temperature is not too high on warm days.
- Staying hydrated.
- Wearing soft, light cotton clothes.
- Using the lightest possible bed sheets at night time.
- Using cold water while taking a bath.
Erythromelalgia may be a rare disorder, but it is chronic and painful when it occurs. A good podiatrist who is an expert at treating rare foot conditions will be able to devise a treatment plan that can help manage this rare and painful condition.