This is a term used to describe a severe sa nsation of burning pain which accompanies some peripheral problems. The patient shows hyperaesthesia or increased sensitivity, trophic changes and over-activity of the autonomic supply of the area. The pain is aggravated by exposure to heat or cold and also by emotional crises. Because of the hyperaesthesia the patient protects the affected area to an extreme degree and does not move it at all. Even cutting the fingernails, if the hand is affected, may prove too painful and gloves, shoes and stockings and other items of clothing may be intolerable.
The skin shows atrophy and scales, and vascular changes occur ranging from vasoconstriction to vasodilation. The skin appearance will relate to the condition of the vessels. If vasoconstriction is present the skin is mottled and cyanotic and usually moist due to the activity of the sweat glands. If…
