Treatments & Care Approaches

Erythermalgia is a rare and complex disease. There is no single treatment that works for everyone, but several approaches can help reduce pain, limit flare‑ups, and improve quality of life. 

Every patient is different: what works for one person may not work for another. This is why follow‑up with specialists familiar with the disease is essential. 

Medication‑Based Approaches

Doctors may prescribe several types of treatments to help reduce symptoms:

• Pain‑related medications: beta‑blockers (Propranolol, Carvedilol), analgesics (Aspirin), certain anti‑arrhythmics (Mexiletine — hospital prescription), serotonin and/or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs/SSRIs such as Venlafaxine, Duloxetine, Paroxetine), anti‑epileptic medications (Gabapentin, Pregabalin), or Morphine.

• Topical treatments: creams or gels to soothe affected areas (Lidocaine, Amitriptyline).

⚠️ These treatments must always be customized for each patient and monitored by a competent healthcare professional.

Non‑Medication Approaches 

Some measures can complement medical treatments and help reduce the intensity or frequency of flare‑ups:

• Local cooling and support: cold compresses, fans, technical clothing, compression stockings 

• Environmental adaptations: air conditioning, fans, avoiding excessive heat sources

• Relaxation techniques: meditation, breathing exercises, sophrology, or yoga to reduce stress

• Psychological support: living with chronic pain can cause anxiety or isolation, and psychological support may be beneficial

• RTMS: transcranial magnetic stimulation performed in hospital or at a pain center

• Use of synthetic cannabinoids (CBD)

Multidisciplinary Care 

Erythermalgia can affect many aspects of life. A comprehensive care plan often includes:

• Vascular specialists

• Neurologists or pain specialists

• General practitioners and dermatologists

• Psychologists

A multidisciplinary follow‑up allows combining treatments and adaptation strategies, significantly improving comfort and quality of life.

Important Points 

• Every patient is unique: care and treatments must be personalized.

• Flare‑ups can change over time, requiring regular adjustments.

• Communication with healthcare professionals and keeping a symptom diary can help better identify triggers and treatment effectiveness.