Erythromelalgia can be diagnosed clinically based on predetermined criteria and include the following: (a) burning pain in the extremities (b) pain provoked by heat (c) pain alleviate by cooling and elevation of the affected area (d) redness of the affected skin (e) increased temperature of the skin.
Erythromelalgia can be diagnosed through a clinical presentation (exam) and medical history (patient questioned). Additional tests may include a skin biopsy and thermography to evaluate skin temperature. Blood tests or other studies may be done to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms (differential diagnoses).
There is no known diagnostic test for erythromelalgia. No single specialism looks after EM and a variety of specialists (alone or in combination) may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. These may include vascular specialists, hematologists, dermatologists, neurologists, rheumatologists, and pain specialists. The type of specialist that is appropriate may depend on the underlying cause when secondary erythromelalgia is present. Since erythromelalgia is a rare disease, many doctors are not familiar with the condition. EM Warriors offers resources and support for persons looking for information and advice about the diagnosis and treatment of the syndrome.