Space heater can cause erythema ab igne, doctor warns

When it comes to heating your home this winter, don’t make hasty decisions.

Dr. Charles Puza, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, is sharing a very troubling concern about space heaters — they can cause a condition called erythema ab igne, also known as “EAI,” “burn-out skin syndrome.” toasted’ or ‘fire spots’.

“Telling my patients that the space heater in their home/office will cause this classic rash and stain their skin for months,” Puza captioned a Tuesday TikTok photo of a person’s leg covered with a reddish-brown rash. “Move back!”

Erythema ab igne—Latin for “redness from fire”—was once common among bakers, cooks, and industrial workers chronically exposed to heat sources such as fires for long periods and people sitting in front of a stove in their home or near an open fire. warm up

The condition became less prevalent in the US as central heating increased everywhere.

Unfortunately, erythema ab igne has recently made a comeback through laptops placed directly on the thigh, sauna belts used to reduce belly fat, electric blankets and heated car seats.

Space heaters also continue to be a problem—in one 2020 case, a 48-year-old woman visited her doctor about lesions on her legs. They were traced to a space heater under her desk that she used often because her office was cold.

Middle-aged women, especially those who are overweight, are disproportionately affected by erythema ab igne.

The classic symptom of erythema ab igne is a rash that resembles a fishnet or “lace-like” pattern.

It may start as pink and eventually turn red, purple or brown. It may itch, burn or tingle. It can also be difficult to distinguish it from rashes caused by skin cancer.

Treatment usually involves staying away from the heat source. The rash tends to go away on its own. In rare cases, it can cause scarring and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Dr. Ji Qi, a board-certified dermatologist in Maryland, recommends using a lap table so your laptop isn’t directly on your skin and programming your heating pad or electric blanket to the lowest setting possible and using limited.

Retinoid cream, derived from vitamin A, can help relieve symptoms, although it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.