Health

3 Tips for Living with Erythromelalgia

Published

4 years ago

December 5, 2021

Erythromelalgia is an extremely rare condition that’s recognized as such by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). It affects an estimated 1.3 out of 100,000 people in the United States. But as rare as it is, it can be debilitating for the individuals who have it.

If you or a loved one has erythromelalgia, finding answers is obviously your greatest priority.

What is Erythromelalgia?

Erythromelalgia is extremely uncommon. However, for those who suffer from the condition, it’s a painful condition that commonly affects the feet and (sometimes) the hands. People with the condition describe it as an intense, burning pain that can be both episodic or continuous. Some people experience sudden flare ups, while others have a more chronic form of the condition.

“In most individuals, it is episodic/intermittent, with episodes of red hot feet and/or hands intermittently,” NORD explains. “Symptom onset may be gradual (insidious), with the condition potentially remaining relatively mild for years. However, in others, it may have a sudden (acute) onset, possibly spreading and becoming severe over weeks.”

For those interested in the etymology of the word, the prefix erythro means “redness.” Mel means “limb.” The suffix algia is typically used to indicate “pain.” So the term, while difficult for most to pronounce correctly on the first attempt, quite literally means painful red limbs.

Other names and related conditions for erythromelalgia include erythermalgia, Mitchell disease, Weir-Mitchell disease, and Gerhardt disease.

Doctors generally discuss erythromelalgia in two classifications: primary and secondary. Both tend to have similar symptoms, including burning pain, itchiness, redness, warmth to the touch, sores on the feet, and even radiating/shooting pain.

Primary erythromelalgia has no known cause. It’s most commonly seen in children, but can technically impact anyone. Painful symptoms and discomfort usually affect both sides of the body and get worse in warmer weather. Primary erythromelalgia attacks begin with itchiness that then progresses into severe burning pain. These attacks may last anywhere from several minutes to days.

Secondary erythromelalgia is diagnosed in people who have other conditions and diseases, like autoimmune diseases. This type of erythromelalgia is more commonly seen in adults and usually begins in middle age. The symptoms are pretty much identical to those of primary erythromelalgia.

Tips for Living With Erythromelalgia

Since most doctors know very little about erythromelalgia, there are no known cures. Most people just have to learn to live with it. Having said that, there are certain things you can do to treat the symptoms and make flare ups less likely.

See the Right Specialist

As frustrating as it is, most doctors simply don’t know much about erythromelalgia. And if you think about it, who can blame them? With just 1.3 out of 100,000 people suffering from this condition, they could go years without seeing an erythromelalgia patient in their office. Thankfully, there are specialists who are very familiar with this condition.

When choosing a specialist, look for someone who knows this disorder in and out. Untamed Iona, for example, has a specialist who actually has the condition herself! You can even book an online call with her (so it doesn’t matter where you’re located).

Try Medication

Again, there’s no perfect medication that works for everyone with erythromelalgia. There are, however, effective options that can work. You must be open to trial and error.

Oral medications include options like magnesium selective serotonin, calcium antagonists, tricyclic antidepressants, reuptake inhibitors, and others. Topical medications include compounded creams (gel of 1 percent amitriptyline and 0.5 percent ketamine), capsaicin cream (Zostrix), and lidocaine and menthol (Lidoderm).

Consider Surgery

While it’s definitely a last resort option, there are surgical treatments that can provide relief. The procedure, known as a sympathectomy, cuts nerve endings that send pain signals to the hands and feet. This procedure does come with the potential for serious side effects, including infection, bleeding, and permanent nerve damage. Thus it’s never an ideal choice.

Live Your Best Life

While there might not be a cure for erythromelalgia, there’s still plenty of hope. Just because you haven’t found relief yet doesn’t mean you never will. It’s a matter of speaking with the right people and trying a number of options until something works for you. Whether it’s eliminating a certain factor that seems to cause flare ups, using a specific medication, or even exploring surgery as an option, there are plenty of treatment methods. Don’t give up on yourself. You are your greatest advocate!

Health

White Boogers in Babies: What They Mean and How to Keep Little Noses Clear

Published

2 hours ago

November 4, 2025

Michelle Langton

Spotting white boogers in your baby’s nose can make any parent pause and wonder if something’s wrong. Is it a cold? An allergy? Or just part of being a baby? In most cases, white mucus is perfectly normal—it’s your baby’s way of clearing out dust, dry air, or mild irritants. Unlike adults, babies can’t blow their noses, so even small buildups can make breathing sound stuffy or snuffly.

For safe and effective relief, a nasal aspirator for baby from Momcozy can be your best ally. It helps gently remove mucus without irritating delicate nasal passages, offering comfort and clear breathing in seconds. Understanding what white boogers indicate—and when to worry—helps parents handle congestion with confidence and care.

Just Mucus: What White Snot Tells You About the Nasal Passage

White boogers are often a sign of mild dryness or early-stage congestion. When mucus lacks enough moisture, it thickens and appears cloudy or white instead of clear. This is your baby’s natural defense system working to trap dust, germs, and other particles from the air.

The good news? White mucus typically means your baby’s body is managing irritants effectively. It’s not usually a sign of infection but rather a normal part of mucus production—especially in dry or air-conditioned environments.

The Anatomy of Dryness: Why White Boogers Are Often a Sign of Low Humidity

If your baby wakes up with white or crusty boogers, it may be because the air around them is too dry. Indoor heating, air conditioners, or even fans can lower humidity levels, drying out your baby’s nasal membranes.

Dry air thickens mucus, making it appear opaque or white. This can lead to mild congestion, snoring sounds, or harder boogers around the nostrils. Running a cool-mist humidifier near your baby’s crib helps maintain ideal moisture levels in the air and keeps nasal passages naturally clear and soft.

The Pre-Color Phase: Is White Mucus Just the Beginning of a Cold?

Sometimes, white mucus can indicate the very early stage of a common cold. When a virus first enters your baby’s system, the body produces thicker mucus to trap and remove it. During this phase, mucus may shift from clear to white before becoming yellow or green as immune cells become more active.

If your baby’s only symptom is mild congestion and no fever or fussiness, there’s usually no need to worry. Keep an eye on the mucus color and texture—if it thickens or changes color alongside symptoms like irritability or poor feeding, it might be time to consult your pediatrician.

How to Help: Gently Rehydrating the Nasal Airway with Saline Solution

Rehydrating your baby’s nasal passages is one of the simplest and safest ways to handle white boogers. Saline drops or sprays help loosen thick mucus, making it easier to remove.

Here’s how:

Lay your baby on their back with their head slightly tilted.
Apply one or two drops of saline into each nostril.
Wait about 30 seconds to allow the solution to soften the mucus.
Use a nasal aspirator for baby to gently suction out the mucus.

Repeat this process before feeding or sleep times to ensure your baby can breathe comfortably throughout the day and night.

Boosting the Environment: The Key Role of Humidifiers in Reducing Dry Mucus

A well-hydrated environment does wonders for preventing nasal dryness and white mucus. By maintaining optimal humidity levels (around 40–50%), you help keep your baby’s nasal membranes moist and functional.

Running a humidifier, especially during dry or cold months, is an effective preventive measure. It keeps mucus from hardening, making it less likely for your baby to develop congestion. Pair this with regular cleaning of the humidifier to prevent mold and bacteria growth that could worsen nasal irritation.

The “Milk Crud” Myth: Distinguishing White Mucus from Spit-Up or Formula Residue

Parents often confuse white boogers with dried milk or formula residue—especially if it’s seen near the nostrils or mouth. The difference lies in texture and location.

White mucus tends to be sticky and stretchy, while milk residue looks flaky or chalky. If your baby spits up frequently, it’s possible for small amounts of milk to reach the nasal area, especially during sleep.

Safe Removal Techniques: Getting Stubborn White Boogers Out Without Irritating the Nose

When boogers become hard or stuck, resist the urge to pick them out with your fingers or a cotton swab. This can scratch your baby’s delicate nasal lining and cause bleeding. Instead, soften the area first.

You can do this by:

Applying a few saline drops to loosen the mucus.
Running a steamy shower for a few minutes to let your baby inhale warm moisture.
Using a Momcozy nasal aspirator for baby to gently suction out the softened mucus.
Wiping the outside of the nostrils with a clean, damp cloth.

These steps ensure a safe and gentle cleaning process while avoiding any harm to your baby’s nose.

When to Check In: When White Snot Is Accompanied by Other Concerning Symptoms

White boogers alone are rarely a reason to panic, but if they’re accompanied by other symptoms, it may be time to seek medical advice.

Call your pediatrician if you notice:

Persistent nasal congestion lasting more than a week.
Difficulty breathing or feeding.
Fever or irritability.
Thick white mucus that turns yellow or green with time.

These signs may indicate an infection or allergy that needs professional attention. Always trust your instincts—if your baby seems uncomfortable or their breathing changes, getting checked is the best course of action.

Summary

In most cases, white boogers in babies are simply a sign of dryness or mild congestion, not illness. Your baby’s nose is just doing its job by trapping dust and debris. Keeping the air humid, using saline drops, and clearing mucus gently with a nasal aspirator for baby can prevent discomfort and ensure easy breathing.

However, it’s important to stay observant. If the white mucus persists, thickens, or is paired with symptoms like fever or poor feeding, contact your pediatrician. With regular nasal care, proper hydration, and the right tools, you can keep your baby’s tiny nose clear, healthy, and ready to take in every breath with ease.