|http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/ A service of the U.S. National Library
of Medicine®| Erythromelalgia is a condition characterized by
episodes of pain, redness, and swelling in various parts of the
body, particularly the hands and feet. These episodes are
usually triggered by increased body temperature, which may be
caused by exercise or entering a warm room. Ingesting alcohol or
spicy foods may also trigger an episode. Wearing warm socks,
tight shoes, or gloves can cause a pain episode so debilitating
that it can impede everyday activities such as wearing shoes and
walking. Pain episodes can prevent an affected person from going
to school or work regularly. The signs and symptoms of
erythromelalgia typically begin in childhood, although mildly
affected individuals may have their first pain episode later in
life. As individuals with erythromelalgia get older and the
disease progresses, the hands and feet may be constantly red,
and the affected areas can extend from the hands to the arms,
shoulders, and face, and from