Erythema ab igne in a rural Indian woman

Abstract

Erythema ab igne in a rural Indian womanSir, Skin is prone to physical, chemical, mechanical and thermal injuries as it is the largest and the outermost organ covering the entire body surface area. Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a cutaneous reaction to heat environment. EAI is a classic example of environmental and occupational dermatosis. Recently, we encountered a case of EAI and share our experience with a brief review of the causes.A 36-year-old woman from rural Karnataka (south India) presented with asymptomatic lesions over the legs since two months. On examination, reticulate hyperpigmented net-like pattern was observed on the lateral aspect of the right and medial aspect of the left leg [ Figure 1]. Lesions were absent over the medial aspect of the right leg and lateral aspect of the left leg. She recalled history of prolonged exposure to heat while cooking in front of an earthen oven with a wood-burning fire on the ground since several years. She used to tie her sari higher up and below the knees was not covered by clothes, a practice often followed by rural Indian women while cooking to avoid soot and fire particles that could damage her clothing. History and clinical examination revealed the diagnosis of EAI.EAI is caused by repeated and prolonged exposure to infrared radiation insufficient to produce a burn. The distribution of EAI depends on the occupation, source of heat, the direction of the incident radiation, skin Net LetterHow to cite this article: Basavaraj KH, Kanthraj GR, Shetty AM, Rangappa V. Erythema ab igne in a rural Indian woman. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2011;77:731.

Erythema Ab Igne: A Mottled Rash on the Torso

“…Biopsies should be performed for severe, persistent, and non-healing sores to rule out the development of ominous changes such as squamous cell carcinoma. It has been reported in patients with internal malignancy but is not a marker of internal malignancy [19].…”