Scholarlink

Background <p>Erythromelalgia (EM) is a neurovascular disorder with an estimated incidence of 0.25–2 cases per 100,000 people, characterized by episodic burning pain, erythema, and increased skin temperature, primarily in the extremities. Its presentation can be mistaken for diabetic foot infection (DFI), leading to diagnostic dilemmas and potentially harmful therapeutic interventions.</p> Case presentation <p>A 62-year-old Han Chinese woman with diabetes presented with recurrent redness, swelling, burning pain, and ulceration on both feet. She was once misdiagnosed as DFI, but was finally confirmed as EM based on characteristic symptoms (heat intolerance, relief with cautious cooling) in the absence of infectious signs (fever, leukocytosis, or purulence). During the treatment, the patient was significantly alleviated. However, she suffered from gangrene and went through amputation due to use of ice packs.</p> Conclusion <p>This case not only demonstrates the critical importance of differentiating EM from DFI, but also emphasizes the necessity of avoiding ice therapy in its management, providing valuable insights for clinical practice.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Erythromelalgia mimicking diabetic foot infection: diagnostic challenges and contraindication of ice application

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月2日

查看全文
  • Shangbin Chen,
  • Yulian Lai,
  • Yu Xia,
  • Qingfeng Cheng,
  • Xiaoru Zhang,
  • Yu Fang,
  • Ziwei Tang

摘要

Background

Erythromelalgia (EM) is a neurovascular disorder with an estimated incidence of 0.25–2 cases per 100,000 people, characterized by episodic burning pain, erythema, and increased skin temperature, primarily in the extremities. Its presentation can be mistaken for diabetic foot infection (DFI), leading to diagnostic dilemmas and potentially harmful therapeutic interventions.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old Han Chinese woman with diabetes presented with recurrent redness, swelling, burning pain, and ulceration on both feet. She was once misdiagnosed as DFI, but was finally confirmed as EM based on characteristic symptoms (heat intolerance, relief with cautious cooling) in the absence of infectious signs (fever, leukocytosis, or purulence). During the treatment, the patient was significantly alleviated. However, she suffered from gangrene and went through amputation due to use of ice packs.

Conclusion

This case not only demonstrates the critical importance of differentiating EM from DFI, but also emphasizes the necessity of avoiding ice therapy in its management, providing valuable insights for clinical practice.