What it is
It can be inherited, occur on its own, or be linked to another condition, such as a blood disorder.
Cooling the skin, avoiding triggers and medicines for nerve pain can help. Avoid putting feet in ice water, which can damage the skin.
Common signs
- Burning pain in the feet or hands
- Red, hot skin
- Swelling during episodes
- Relief from cooling
How it is usually diagnosed
- Diagnosed from symptoms, ideally with photos of an episode
- Blood tests to look for an underlying cause
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Photos of episodes
- A diary of triggers
- Blood test results
- Medicines tried and what helped
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is there an underlying cause?
- Which treatments could help the pain?
- How can I cool the skin safely?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Skin breaking down, ulcers or signs of infection on the feet
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.