We report on aetiological factors, clinical findings and prognosis of
87 patients with erythromelalgia (EM). This is the largest material re
ported in the western literature. There is a 100% follow up of patient
s with observation period up to 11 years. There were 61 females and 26
males. About two-thirds of the patients were primary cases and around
three-quarters had a chronic condition. The condition was more common
in lower than in upper extremities. Over time patients with erythrome
lalgic syndrome gradually get worse, those with primary and secondary
acute EM get better, whilst primary and secondary chronic EM remain st
able.