WEIR-MITCHELL DISEASE

Weir-Mitchell disease is a rare disease that affects the feet and occasionally the hands. It is believed to trigger extreme burning pain, intense redness, and a rise in skin temperature that can be episodic or persistent.

Heat, pressure, moderate exercise, effort, sleeplessness, or stress are frequent triggers for the attacks, which occur on a regular basis. Further, the Weir-Mitchell Disease was the first human disorder in 2004. It can be a primary or subsequent symptom of another illness. 

Moreover, when its relationship to the SCN9A gene was described in the Journal of Medical Genetics, it was conceivable to correlate an ion channel mutation with persistent neuropathic pain.

TYPES

  • Primary Weir-Mitchell Disease
  • Secondary Weir-Mitchell Disease

SYMPTOMS

The most common symptoms of Weir-Mitchell Disease include:

  • Heat. The increased blood flow to the afflicted body area might cause the skin to feel heated. 
  • Erythema. Excessive blood flow to the region causes redness, which is frequently not visible in darker skin tones.
  • Pain. Mild tingling, a pins-and-needles sensation, itching, or a severe burning sensation are all possible pain sensations.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please visit a doctor. 

DIAGNOSIS

For Weir-Mitchell Disease, there is no specific test. Symptoms are observed, and other possible explanations are ruled out while diagnosing this illness. Other tests, such as imaging and blood tests, may be performed to rule out other disorders. 

Moreover, children with symptoms of Weir-Mitchell Disease and a family history of the condition may be genetically tested for the SCN9A mutation.

TREATMENT

There is no specific treatment or cure for Weir-Mitchell Disease. Treating the underlying cause of the secondary disease can help. However, in the vast majority of cases, this illness is incurable. So, in these instances, doctors will concentrate their treatment on reducing symptoms.

These treatments might include:

  • Oral medications
  • Topical medications
  • Pain rehabilitation programs
  • And surgery in severe cases

Additionally, among these treatments used to treat the majority of cases were topicals like creams, gels, sprays, and patches. Also, Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, is used to help manage the pain, and capsaicin creams or patches to help reduce the sensitivity of the skin’s heat receptors.

To discover the best treatment choice for your illness, speak with your doctor.They can advise you on possible treatments based on the severity of your disease.

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