erythromelalgia

Pronunciation: ĕ-rith′rō-mel-al′jē-ă

Definition:

1. A rare disorder most common in middle age, characterized by paroxysmal attacks of severe burning pain, reddening, hyperalgesia, and sweating, involving one or more extremities, usually both feet; the attacks can be triggered by warmth, but are usually relieved by cold and limb elevation.
2. Paroxysmal throbbing and burning pain in the skin often precipitated by exertion or heat, affecting the hands and feet, accompanied by a dusky mottled redness of the parts with increased skin temperature; associated with and often preceding myeloproliferative and other disorders.

Synonym(s): erythermalgia, Gerhardt-Mitchell disease

[erythro- + G. melos, limb, + algos, pain]

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