This legislation corresponded to the virtual disappearance of acrodynia. Present-day cases reveal more novel exposure, such as mercuric oxide used to treat eyelid mites. It was suggested that the disease represented a delayed allergic reaction or hypersensitivity reaction since not all exposed to mercurial compounds develop the disease. Because the metal can be stored in the body to some extent and intolerance may develop long after exposure, morbid symptoms may appear weeks or months after the drug administration, with its cause escaping recognition. In acrodynia, no reflex dilatation of the peripheral vessels occurs in response to heat.
Vasoconstriction is abolished only when the nerve supply to the arterioles is interrupted.
Acrodynia most often occurs in infants and young children. The age of onset is between 4 months and 8 years. Newborns and adults appear to be less susceptible to the disease. Children initially become listless, drowsy, and irritable. There is a tendency to cry.