WHO doesn’t love cranking up the heated car seat when it’s freezing outside?
Or maybe you struggle with period pain, and a hot water bottle is your only saviour.
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But staying warm can come with a potentially serious health risk known as ‘toasted skin syndrome’, or erythema ab igne (meaning redness from fire).
“It’s caused by prolonged exposure to low-grade heat sources that aren’t intense enough to burn but are enough to alter the skin’s structure,” explained dermatologist, Dr Anil Sharma.
“The rash has reddish-brown discolouration of the skin and often looks like a mottled pattern,” the medical practitioner from Sharma Skin and Hair Surgery, said.
“Some people might also feel itching or a burning sensation in the affected area.”
You don’t need extreme heat to trigger toasted skin syndrome.
“Exposure to heat in the range of 43–47°C can cause small but significant changes in the skin,” Dr Sharma explained.
“Even though this temperature isn’t hot enough to burn you, it still harms the tiny elastic fibres that keep your skin flexible and the small blood vessels near the surface.”
Luckily, the condition usually resolves once the heat source is removed.
However, repeated exposure can lead to “more permanent damage,” the expert warned, including skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and low-grade lymphoma.
“Prolonged heat exposure can alter skin cells at a microscopic level, similar to the damage caused by ultraviolet rays from sunlight or tanning beds,” he added.
While cancer is an uncommon complication, it’s always wise to have any persistent skin discolouration or texture changes evaluated by a professional.
There’s no prescribed cure for toasted skin syndrome, but there are practical measures that can help to reduce the risk.
“If you frequently use hot water bottles, a simple cloth or towel barrier can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage,” he suggested.
“But early intervention is key.
“The first step is to stop the repeated exposure to heat.
“If it’s from a laptop, consider using a protective cover or adjusting your workspace to avoid direct skin contact.”
The 4 items that could leave you with ‘toasted skin syndrome’
You can get toasted skin syndrome from prolonged exposure to heat…
Toasted skin syndrome, also known as erythema ab igne (EAI), is a rash caused by chronic exposure to heat.
It’s characterised by a lacy, net-like pattern of discoloration on the skin.
Other symptoms can include:
- Itching
- Burning
- Blotchy, pink rash that turns brown
- Fishnet pattern
In some cases it can cause skin changes that can become cancerous.
Causes of toasted skin syndrome, include:
- A hot water bootle
- A car heat
- A laptop
- An electric blanket
If you notice changes in your skin, especially after using a heat source or you suspect pre-malignant transformation, seek medical advice.
“For some people, over-the-counter products like hydrocortisone 1 per cent cream or retinol can be helpful,” he added.
“But I always recommend consulting with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment for your specific condition.”
