Erythema ab igne: new technology rebounding upon its users?

Abstract

Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a persistent, chronic skin condition resulting from prolonged exposure to infrared radiation, experienced as heat. 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 rebound of EAI. The epidemiology may be different too, with younger patients than previously seen. Localized EAI over an area of pain in the abdomen or lower back can be a sign of an underlying disorder, including cancer. Prognosis of EAI is good, with removal of the heat source resulting in complete remission. In chronic cases in which premalignant cutaneous dysplasia has resulted, additional treatments may be necessary including topical retinoids, 5-fluorouracil cream, and laser treatments. Rarely, cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and cutaneous marginal zone B cell lymphoma have been associated with longstanding EAI.

Erythema Ab Igne Caused By Laptop Computer

“…Originally also known as “hot water bottle rash”, typical of the pretibial area in subjects used to expose to space heaters [ 1 ], this condition now tends to occur more frequently, being associated with a variety of modern instruments including heating pillows [ 5 ], space heaters [ 6 ], electric blankets [ 7 ], heated car seats and backs [ 8 ], portable personal computers [ 9 ] and smartphones [ 2 , 10 ].…”

“…Originally produced by repeated exposure of the skin to temperatures close to the burn threshold (43-47°C) [ 1 ], and being unchanged in its pathogenesis – based on the superficial injury on the dermal vascular plexus – the occurrence of EAI has been associated with a wide variety of ‘new’ warming sources, thus also involving a wider range of age of affected patients [ 2 , 3 ]. In facts, due to its infrequency, EAI still constitutes a clinical conundrum, diagnostically misinterpreted and hard to be solved in the absence of suspected anamnestic data.…”

Erythema Ab Igne and Its Relation to Spinal Pathology

“…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]. Its presentation can range from bruising alone to itching and burning.…”

A historical misleading case of erythema ab igne in a young female patient

“…Clinically, it is characterized by reticular, brownish pigmented, often telangiectatic lesions on the areas of heating exposure, commonly mistaken for livedo reticularis [3]. The prognosis is good with removal of the offending heat source typically resulting in a gradual regression of the hyperpigmentation [1]. Herein we present a historical case of erythema ab igne in a young female patient with history of chronic leg exposure to radiator heat.…”

“…Erythema ab igne is a persistent, chronic skin condition resulting from extended exposure to low grade heat [1]. It's usually asymptomatic, though some patients report itching or burning at the site [2].…”