Erythromelalgia following influenza vaccine in a child

Erythromelalgia is a rare disease characterised by palmar and plantar erythema, burning pain and local increases in temperature. Erythromelalgia in adults most commonly appears secondary to myeloproliferative disorders, essential thrombocytosis and polycythemia vera; however, in children primary forms predominate. Erythromelalgia in children is characterised by a chronic relapsing course, usually refractory to treatment. We describe a case of erythromelalgia which developed in a 4.5 year old girl following influenza vaccination. Low dose aspirin, carbamazepine and propranolol induced a rapid resolution of the syndrome.