acrodynia /ak′rōdin″ē·ə/ [Gk, akron + odyne, pain] , a rare disease occurring in infants and young children caused by heavy metals poisoning, especially mercury poisoning. Symptoms include edema, pruritus, generalized rash, pink coloration of the extremities, scarlet coloration of the cheeks and nose, swollen and painful extremities, cold and clammy skin, profuse sweating, digestive disturbances, photophobia, polyneuritis, extreme irritability alternating with periods of listlessness and apathy, and failure to thrive. Children who have experienced this disorder may have residual health problems as adults. Also called erythroderma polyneuropathy, Feer’s disease, Swift’s disease, pink disease.
