Irish Raynaud's & Scleroderma Society

Erythromelalgia

Erythromelalgia

Erythromelalgia is a chronic disorder characterisied by intermittent or persistent painful erythema (redness), sweating and heat of the extremities, mainly the feet and legs.  It may be primary or secondary (with underlying conditions).

It can be difficult to differentiate between primary and secondary EM without sophisticated vascular and blood tests.

The disease is characterised by attackd of burning pain, associated with redness and warmth.  The pain is usually quite severe.  Some swelling and puffiness may be present in the localised buring regions or the whole limb may be slightly swollen.  Attacks may last from minutes to several hours and occasionally for one or two days.  Usually the burning distress is aggravated by warmth and may be noticealby worse during the summer months, but the secondary form may be worse in the winter.

It is tempting to use soaking and icing or other cooling methods to alleviate symptoms but this should be avoided as tissue damage may be caused and an increase in flare-up which leads to aggravated symptoms.  Self help methods include:

• raising the feet above heart level, or at least to hip level
• staying in a comfortable, cool environment
• regular, moderate exercise.  Strenuous exercise can make symptoms worse

Some foods (e.g. spices), drinks (particularly alcohol) and some drugs may cause an increase in sypmtoms

For more information contact TEA- the Erythromelalgia Association

Lupus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, more often called lupus, is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the blood vessels and connective tissues of the skin.  It is an auto-immune disease which will be treated by a rheumatologist.  The term “lupus erythematosus” refers to the red rash sometimes found on the nose, spreading to both cheeks in a butterfly pattern.  For more information contact the Irish Lupus Support Group