Mitchell’s disease, also known as erythromelalgia, is a rare condition that affects the feet and occasionally the hands. It is well-known for causing severe burning pain, severe redness, and the temperature of the skin rises, which can be continuous or episodic.
According to one study, this condition affects an estimated 1.3 people out of 100,000 in the US each year, with women being more affected than men.
SYMPTOMS
Traditionally, this illness has been classed as either primary or secondary. However, because of the uncertainty surrounding the relationship between comorbidities and erythromelalgia, the use of these terms is being debated.
The most common indications of this condition include swelling, a deep terrible aching of soft tissue, painful burning sensations in the hands and feet. Although the feet are the most commonly affected, symptoms may affect your eyes, face, and hands.
Primary EM
Children, especially those in their first ten years of life, are more likely to have primary EM. Some of the symptoms are:
Furthermore, attacks can last minutes, hours, or days. They can be triggered by:
Secondary EM
Secondary EM is more prevalent in adults, typically occurring in middle age, and is linked to autoimmune diseases and myeloproliferative disorders (blood and bone marrow diseases). Secondary EM symptoms will begin gradually and progress quickly.
DIAGNOSIS
There is no specific testing available for Mitchell’s disease. Symptoms are observed and other possible causes are ruled out while diagnosing this illness. Blood tests and imaging, on the other hand, may be used to rule out other conditions.
Furthermore, children with primary EM symptoms and a family history of the disease may be genetically tested for the SCN9A mutation.
TREATMENT
This form of disease has no known treatment. Nevertheless, treating the underlying issue in secondary EM may provide relief. This disease is rarely totally treatable. In these cases, doctors will concentrate their treatment on treatment outcomes.
Treatment options should be implemented in a stepwise manner, beginning with non-pharmacological measures. Surgery is only undertaken in the most severe cases where no other options have proven to be effective. This will involve sympathectomy, which is a surgical procedure that removes nerve endings.
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