In an era in which health care workers are increasingly being globalized and deployed to exotic locations, lesions such as in the patient presented here may be misinterpreted because of lack of awareness of certain culture practices and conditions. Ive probably had it now for about 6 or 7 years but i still use my hot water bottle every day so its not getting a chance to heal. Erythema ab igne caused by chronic heat exposure presents as a netlike hyperpigmentation of the skin. Brenno balestraa, nikodem zempb a ospedale della beatavergine, mendrisio, barztpraxis, chiasso. Although the introduction of central heating has reduced eai, it is still found in individuals exposed to heat from other sources. Erythema ab igne is a cutaneous rash characterized by a reticulated pattern of erythema and hyperpigmentation. Historically, and before the advent of central heating, erythema ab igne was seen on the legs of.
Once a familiar entity in the precentral heating era, it seems to be making a comeback with prolonged usage of electronic devices close to the body surface as well as usage of alternative methods. After longterm and repeated exposure to heat, erythema ab igne might produce. Erythema ab igne simple english wikipedia, the free. Erythema ab igne is a reticulated, erythematous or hyperpigmented dermatosis that results from chronic and repeated exposure to low levels of infrared radiation. Erythema ab igne is a macular reticulated dermatosis caused by chronic heat exposure shahrad and marks, 1997. Erythema ab igne definition of erythema ab igne by the. Thermal keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma in situ associated with erythema ab igne. Erythema ab igne eai, also known as the toasted skin syndrome, is a skin condition seen in patients who have extended exposure to local or regional heat. Erythema ab igne represents a skin condition caused by exposure to open fire. It is a typical example of an environmentalinduced dermatosis.
In this era, more common causes are hot water bottles and heating pads. We describe a case of a young man who presented with erythema ab igne with a unique. Once associated with traditional warming sources like wood burning stoves or open fires, modern, infrared exposure originates also from newer sources like laptops and heating pads and may be creating a. This photo depicts the abdomen of a woman who developed the condition after using a heating pad to relieve menstrual cramps. Erythema ab igne is a type of skin discoloration that results from prolonged exposure to infrared radiation. It was a familiar entity before the era of central heating in western countries around the mid19th century. Dec 16, 2019 erythema ab igne eai is a reticulate hypermelanosis with erythema resulting from repeated heat exposure that induces injury to the epidermis and superficial vascular plexus. Erythema ab igne following heatingcooling blanket use in the. Erythema ab igne successfully treated with mesoglycan and. As an interesting side note, another group of people are starting to show erythema ab igne on their skin. Erythema ab igne induced by a laptop computer in an. The condition also occurs in cooks and others exposed to direct heat over a long period of time. This condition most commonly involves the pretibial skin in the elderly who spend prolonged periods of time close to fires or heaters. The condition, erythema ab igne, is also known as toasted skin syndrome, and is characterised by mottledlooking skin resulting from prolonged exposure to heat or an infrared source.
Cureus erythema ab igne and its relation to spinal pathology. Erythema ab igne eai is characterized by localized areas of reticulated erythema and hyperpigmentation due to chronic and repeated exposure to infrared radiation. Cases of erythema ab igne may prove to be diagnostically challenging due to lack of familiarity with the condition. Get a printable copy pdf file of the complete article 223k, or click on a page image below to browse page by page. Erythema ab igne is a dermatological condition characterized by localized areas of hyperpigmentation and erythema due to chronic exposure to infrared radiation, most commonly heat 2. Erythema ab igne is a rash of the skin, which is usually caused by the longterm exposure to heat or infrared radiation, and which is not a burn. Although the introduction of central heating has reduced eai, it is still found in individuals exposed to heat. List of terms related to erythema ab igne editorinchief. Jan 16, 2016 a demonstration and description of erythema ab igne, including causes and treament by dr.
Erythema multiforme is a skin reaction that can be triggered by an infection or some medicines. When i had it on my stomach, i dont think it ever went beyond the redness stage i used to alternate the hot water bottle between my thighs and stomach, say maybe 15 mins each, so the contact wasnt as prolonged but i probably did that for at least a year, if. When checking for a misdiagnosis of erythema ab igne or confirming a diagnosis of erythema ab igne, it is useful to consider what other medical conditions might be possible misdiagnoses or other alternative conditions relevant to diagnosis. It is sometimes called toasted skin syndrome, with the rash called fire stains. Historically, and before the advent of central heating, erythema ab igne was seen on the legs of individuals who sat or stood in front of heating devices. The first page of the pdf of this article appears above. Erythema ab igne is caused by prolonged exposure to a heat source. Erythema ab igne is preventable, and, thus, clinicians. A diagnosis of erythema ab igne eai or toasted skin syndrome is rendered figure 901. One case report describes erythema ab igne following the use of a heatingcooling blanket in the intensive care unit 14. While this dermatosis carries a favorable prognosis, nonmelanoma skin cancers have been reported to arise within lesions of erythema ab igne. Redness of the skin caused by dilatation and congestion of the capillaries, often a sign of inflammation or infection.
Although the introduction of central heating has reduced eai of this type, it is still found in individuals exposed. Get a printable copy pdf file of the complete article 376k, or click on a page image below to browse page by page. Erythema ab igne eai is a skin reaction caused by chronic exposure to infrared radiation in the form of heat. This disorder results from prolonged and repeated exposure to infrared radiation.
Chronic exposure to heat and infrared radiation may result in reticulated erythematous and hyperpigmented skin lesions known as erythema ab. The cutaneous lesion of erythema ab igne is characterized by a reticulate erythema, hyperpigmentation, fine scaling, epidermal atrophy and telangiectasis. At present, erythema ab igne eai or erythema caloricum is either rare or infrequently reported. Exposure to infrared radiation creates a mottled appearance on the skin, usually appearing as blotchy, red, lacy patterns. Since 2004, there have been at least 10 reported cases of the condition or of burns related to laptop use. Erythema multiforme mainly affects adults under 40.
However repetitive and prolonged thermal exposure causes fixed reticulate hyperpigmentation, erythema, epidermal atrophy, scaling and telangiectases. Erythema ab igne color atlas and synopsis of vascular. While common in the past, its incidence has declined significantly to become a rare occurrence today. Also very common on the back and abdomen produced by a hot water bag or electric heating pad.
Erythema ab igne eai is characterized as localized areas of reticulated erythema and hyperpigmentation due to chronic and repeated exposure to infrared radiation. This dermatosis is caused by repeated exposure of direct heat or infrared radiation to a persons skin, often from occupational exposures or use of heating pads. Erythema ab igne eai is characterised by localised areas of reticulated netlike erythema and hyperpigmentation caused by chronic exposure to infrared radiation in the form of heat. We report this condition rapidly evolving due to the inadvertent use or dysfunction of an adjustabletemperature blanket in the intensive care unit. Taking a good history plays an important role in coming to the diagnosis of the disease condition. Erythema ab igneis a pigmented reticular skin lesion with telangiectasias caused by prolon ged exposure to heat. Other names include hot water bottle rash fire stains, laptop thigh, grannys tartan and toasted skin syndrome some people may complain of mild itchiness and a burning sensation. Erythema ab igne eai, also known as hot water bottle rash, is a skin condition caused by longterm exposure to heat infrared radiation. Erythema ab igne eai is a typical example of an environmentalinduced dermatosis secondary to overexposure of a particular part of the skin to heat. Erythema ab igne often occurs as a result from a chronic condition, because heat from hot water bottles is commonly used to relieve chronic pain. Erythema ab igne or livedo reticularis with pigmentation. Two recent reports in the journal archives of dermatology warn that prolonged exposure to the heat from those nice warm car seats can lead to a condition called toasted skin syndrome the medical term is called erythema ab igne, or.
Use of heating devices and water bottles may also produce the characteristic skin markings. Erythema ab igne has also been described following the use of sauna belts for abdominal obesity, and in patients using heated recliners to relieve chronic lower back pain. Some people may complain of mild itchiness and a burning sensation, but. Erythema ab igne definition of erythema ab igne by. Today, we still see an odd case once in a while, although they have become a rarity. Figure 901 highly illustrative case of the irregular, netlike hyperpigmentation of erythema ab igne eia along the entire back of a patient with chronic back pain. Erythema ab igne following heatingcooling blanket use in. Erythema ab igne primary care dermatology society uk. It used to be caused mainly by wood stoves used to heat homes. Erythema ab igne induced by a laptop computer in an adolescent eritema ab igneem adolescente induzido por computador laptop susana giraldi 1 fabio diettrich 2 kerstin t. Erythema ab igne appears as a reticulated, erythematous, hyperpigmented eruption that may occur after prolonged and repeated skin exposure. Full text full text is available as a scanned copy of the original print version.
It was once a common condition seen in the elderly who sat close to open fires. Prolonged thermal radiation exposure to the skin can lead to the development of reticulated erythema, hyperpigmentation, scaling and telangiectasias in the affected area. Erythema ab igne has been noted for many years, and the sources of heat have changed over time. While common in the past, its incidence has declined significantly to become a rare. His rash was consistent with erythema ab igne eaiorthermalkeratosis. While the rash is most often benign, its presence can be an indication of chronic inflammation or, less commonly. Erythema ab igne definition of erythema ab igne by medical. Dec 16, 2019 erythema ab igne eai is characterized as localized areas of reticulated erythema and hyperpigmentation due to chronic and repeated exposure to infrared radiation.
The exposure, which need not be of long duration, results in cutaneous hyperthermia in the range of 4347c. Erythema ab igneis a pigmented reticular skin lesion with telangiectasias caused by prolonged exposure to heat. Erythema ab igne is now more often related to other heat sources, including heating pads, laptop computers. Theres also a rare, severe form that can affect the mouth, genitals and eyes and can be lifethreatening. Since 2004, there have been at least 10 reported cases of the. Erythema ab igne is an asymptomatic cutaneous condition caused by exposure to heat. When i had it on my stomach, i dont think it ever went beyond the redness stage i used to alternate the hot water bottle between my thighs and stomach, say maybe 15 mins each, so the contact wasnt as prolonged but i probably did that for at least a. The primary lesion is a redtobrown hyperpigmented with reticulated macule in areas of chronic heat exposure. Erythema ab igne is a skin condition usually caused by abnormal exposure to heat in a variety of forms. Other names include hot water bottle rash 2 fire stains, 3 laptop thigh, grannys tartan and toasted skin syndrome. A demonstration and description of erythema ab igne, including causes and treament by dr. Erythema ab igne definition of erythema ab igne by the free. These alternate diagnoses of erythema ab igne may already have been considered by your doctor or may need.
Mar 04, 2015 erythema ab igne may be considered an infectious disease mimic. Erythema ab igne is a dermatological condition characterized by localized areas of hyperpigmentation and erythema due to chronic exposure. Erythema ab igne may be considered an infectious disease mimic. Poorly differentiated carcinoma arising in the setting of erythema ab. It was once a common condition seen in the elderly who stood or sat closely to open fires or electric space heaters. Has anyone had erythema ab igne toasted skin syndrome. Jun 25, 2014 erythema ab igne eai is characterized by localized areas of reticulated erythema and hyperpigmentation due to chronic and repeated exposure to infrared radiation. Clinicians should recognize the differential diagnosis of erythema ab igne in the appropriate clinical setting and provide the patient counseling regarding this preventable dermatosis.
Erythema ab igne eai, also known as hot water bottle rash, fire stains, laptop thigh, grannys tartan and toasted skin syndrome is a skin condition caused by longterm exposure to heat infrared radiation. Eaioccursafterchronic heat exposure and has historically been found on the shins of those working by open fires or coal stoves, areas of chronic pain exposed to heating pads, and recently on the thighs of portable computer users. Patients with erythema ab igne have a history of repeated exposures to heat at a lower level than that which causes a thermal burn. Most common on the legs of women as a result of warming themselves in front of open fireplaces, radiators or heaters.
Dec 04, 2016 as an interesting side note, another group of people are starting to show erythema ab igne on their skin. Picture of skin diseases and problems erythema ab igne. Erythema ab igne eai is a persistent, chronic skin condition resulting from prolonged exposure to infrared radiation, experienced as heat. Pdf on feb 4, 2019, avinash kumar gupta and others published erythema ab igne find, read and cite all the research you need on. Treatments for erythema ab igne including drugs, prescription medications, alternative treatments, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Erythema ab igne as an unexpected computer sideeffect.
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