Erythema Ab Igne: A Mottled Rash on the Torso

Abstract

Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a typical example of an environmental-induced dermatosis secondary to overexposure of a particular part of the skin to heat. 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 of pain relief being sought by patients. We describe a case of a 39-year-old female who presented to our clinic with a mottled reticulate rash on her back after five years of using heating pads for her chronic backache.

Erythema Ab Igne: A Rare Presentation of Toasted Skin Syndrome With the Use of a Space Heater

“…Toasted skin syndrome is a rare hyperpigmented dermatosis that can occur at any site with recurrent exposure to heat or an infrared source. This condition is known to be more prevalent in women than men and patients with chronic pain [1][2][3]. The pathophysiology does not seem to be fully understood and multiple mechanisms have been proposed, including the repeated heat exposure damaging superficial blood vessels leading to hemosiderin deposition and subsequent hyperpigmentation.…”