Acrodynia

Acrodynia, a disease of infants and young children, up to about three years of age. Its characteristics are swollen, bluishred hands and feet, muscular pains, and disordered digestion. A child suffering with acrodynia becomes generally sluggish, physically and mentally. Contact with mercury can cause acrodynia. Mercury and its compounds are found in some paints and in certain ointments. Children eating paint chips may suffer this form of mercury poisoning. As well as the better-know lead poisoning, acrodynia is not contagious but it may last for months. It can be treated sucecessfully. However, if treatment is delayed, permanent brain damage may occur. Generalized arthritis is also a possible complication. This ailment is also called pink disease because o of its characteristic red skin rash.