Erythema ab igne color atlas and synopsis of vascular. Jan 16, 2016 a demonstration and description of erythema ab igne, including causes and treament by dr. Erythema ab igne has been reported most frequently in the english literature. Use of heating devices and water bottles may also produce the characteristic skin markings.
Erythema ab igne is a reticulated, erythematous, hyperpigmented dermatosis resulting from chronic mild to moderate heat exposure. Erythema ab igne bei einer patientin mit bulimia nervosa. After the patient discontinued heating pad use, the. Erythema ab igne eai, also known as hot water bottle rash, is a skin condition caused by longterm exposure to heat infrared radiation. A demonstration and description of erythema ab igne, including causes and treament by dr. Redness of the skin caused by dilatation and congestion of the capillaries, often a sign of inflammation or infection. Erythema ab igne eai is characterized as localized areas of redness that appears in a lacelike formation and darkening of the skin that is caused by repeated exposure to a heat source at a lower level than that which would cause the skin to burn. Erythema ab igne definition of erythema ab igne by medical. However repetitive and prolonged thermal exposure causes fixed reticulate hyperpigmentation, erythema, epidermal atrophy, scaling and telangiectases. The primary lesion is a redtobrown hyperpigmented with reticulated macule in areas of chronic heat exposure. Historically, erythema ab igne was seen on the legs of women who sat next to coal stoves or fires. Erythema ab igne definition of erythema ab igne at. While primarily asymptomatic and selfresolving after removal of the heat source, some chronic cases may require topical therapies such as retinoids for improvement of skin discoloration or 5fluorouracil if dysplastic changes are present.
Erythema ab igne represents a skin condition caused by exposure to open fire. Erythema ab igne presents as livedo reticularislike lesions with eventual development of brown hyperpigmentation at sites of prolonged heat exposure 1. Erythema ab igne eai is a typical example of an environmentalinduced dermatosis secondary to overexposure of a particular part of the skin to heat. Erythema ab igne is a relatively uncommon skin lesion caused by chronic exposure to low levels of infrared heat from open fires or stoves, and is characterized by reticulated hyperpigmentation on. Prolonged abdominal heat application in an individual with diabetes and gastroparesis leads to the development of erythema ab igne. Some people may complain of mild itchiness and a burning sensation, but often, unless. 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. Also very common on the back and abdomen produced by a hot water bag or electric heating pad. A dermatologist was consulted, and erythema ab igne eai resulting from excessive heating pad usage was diagnosed. Erythema ab igne definition of erythema ab igne by the. Erythema ab igne eai is a skin reaction caused by chronic exposure to infrared radiation in the form of heat. Erythema ab igne is a cutaneous rash characterized by a reticulated pattern of erythema and hyperpigmentation. Although the introduction of central heating has reduced eai of this type, it is still found in individuals exposed.
Erythema ab igne eai is a reticular, erythematous, hyperpigmented eruption that may occur after chronic exposure to moderate levels of infrared radiation in the form of heat. Dec 16, 2019 erythema ab igne eai is a reticulate hypermelanosis with erythema resulting from repeated heat exposure that induces injury to the epidermis and superficial vascular plexus. Erythema ab igne eia presents as a reticulated hyperpigmented erythematous eruption at sites of prolonged heat exposure. In this era, more common causes are hot water bottles and heating pads. Erythema ab igne may be considered an infectious disease mimic. The lesions were asymptomatic in all three patients and were incidental skin findings in.
Prolonged thermal radiation exposure to the skin can lead to the development of reticulated erythema, hyperpigmentation, scaling and telangiectasias in the affected area. The authors present two cases of erythema ab igne, one from a hot water bottle to treat chronic low back pain and another from a heated automobile seat. The initial manifestation is erythema, which eventuates into dusky brown macular bands and is usually associated with mild symptoms such as. The patient reported chronic heating pad use over the affected area for several weeks for management of chronic pain. While this dermatosis carries a favorable prognosis, nonmelanoma skin cancers have been reported to arise within lesions of erythema ab igne. This photo depicts the abdomen of a woman who developed the condition after using a heating pad to relieve menstrual cramps. We report three cases of erythema ab igne from chronic heating pad use over a duration of six months to three years. Erythema ab igne eai is a localized hypermelanosis with erythema in a reticulated pattern.
Erythema ab igne is a rash of the skin, which is usually caused by the longterm exposure to heat or infrared radiation, and which is not a burn. Causes of erythema ab igne include repeated exposure to heated car seats, space heaters, and fireplaces, repeated application of hot water bottles or heated blankets often used to treat pain, or resting a laptop on the thighs. While the rash is most often benign, its presence can be an indication of chronic inflammation or, less commonly. It is seen after prolonged exposure to moderate heat perhaps as short as 23 weeks 1, 2. Exposure to infrared radiation creates a mottled appearance on the skin, usually appearing as blotchy, red, lacy patterns. Early during exposure to moderate infrared radiation, a transient, blanchable, reticulated erythema develops.
Figure 901 highly illustrative case of the irregular, netlike hyperpigmentation of erythema ab igne eia along the entire back of a patient with chronic back pain. This dermatosis is caused by repeated exposure of direct heat or infrared radiation to a persons skin, often from occupational exposures or use of heating pads. Erythema ab igne is an asymptomatic cutaneous condition caused by exposure to heat. Pronunciation of erythema ab igne with 1 audio pronunciation, 1 meaning, translations and more for erythema ab igne. Carver college of medicine department of dermatology 200 hawkins drive 40025 pomerantz family pavilion iowa city, ia 522421089. Other names include hot water bottle rash 2 fire stains, 3 laptop thigh, grannys tartan and toasted skin syndrome. Erythematous, infiltrated macules distributed in a confluent and reticulated pattern on the chest. In an era in which health care workers are increasingly being globalized and deployed to exotic locations, lesions such as in the patient presented here may be misinterpreted because of lack of awareness of certain culture practices and conditions.
When erythema ab igne warrants an evaluation for internal. While common in the past, its incidence has declined significantly to become a rare. Registration is now required for free access to ccjm content. Actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and merkel cell carcinoma have been reported in patients after chronic exposure to infrared radiation. Erythema ab igne often occurs as a result from a chronic condition, because heat from hot water bottles is commonly used to relieve chronic pain.
While primarily asymptomatic and selfresolving after removal of the heat source, some chronic cases may require topical therapies such as retinoids for improvement of skin discoloration or 5fluorouracil if dysplastic. Images in clinical medicine from the new england journal of medicine erythema ab igne. Erythema ab igne eai is characterised by localised areas of reticulated netlike erythema and hyperpigmentation caused by chronic exposure to infrared radiation in the form of heat. Occupations that can cause erythema ab igne include bakers, chefs, blacksmiths and jewelers. Two recent reports in the journal archives of dermatology warn that prolonged exposure to the heat from those nice warm car seats can lead to a condition called toasted skin syndrome the medical term is called erythema ab igne, or. Erythema ab igne was diagnosed and he was advised to stop hot showers, following which the lesions improved within few weeks. You do not have access to the full text of this article, the first page of the pdf of this article appears above. Other names include hot water bottle rash fire stains, laptop thigh, grannys tartan and toasted skin syndrome some people may complain of mild itchiness and a burning sensation.
Erythema ab igne is reticulated erythema and hyperpigmentation localized to an area of skin that is chronically exposed to heat. Erythema ab igne otherwise called as toasted skin syndrome, ephelis ab igne, ephelis ignealis or erythema a calore is a reticular erythematous pigmented dermatoses which occurs due to prolonged or repeated exposure of skin to subthreshold infrared radiation inadequate to cause burns we have reported a case of erythema ab igne over the abdomen due to prolonged use of laptop by keeping. Erythema ab igne definition at, a free online dictionary with pronunciation, synonyms and translation. Practitioners should be aware of the various ways that erythema ab igne can present.
It is triggered from repeated exposure to heat and infrared radiation. Thats when i learned of a condition called erythema ab igne, which literally means the redness of fire. Erythema ab igne following sauna belt use for abdominal obesity and cellulite. Although the introduction of central heating has reduced eai, it is still found in individuals exposed to heat from other sources. Cases of erythema ab igne may prove to be diagnostically challenging due to lack of familiarity with the condition. Erythema ab igne the journal of the american osteopathic.
The clinical manifestations of erythema ab igne are well known and consist of a reticulated red or brown macular eruption resulting from infrared radiation, occurring most commonly on the lower legs and backs of women. The exposure, which need not be of long duration, results in cutaneous hyperthermia in the range of 4347c. Most common on the legs of women as a result of warming themselves in front of open fireplaces, radiators or heaters. It is sometimes called toasted skin syndrome, with the rash called fire stains. Erythema ab igne definition of erythema ab igne by. A diagnosis of erythema ab igne eai or toasted skin syndrome is rendered figure 901. Erythema ab igne primary care dermatology society uk.
May 21, 2018 erythema ab igne presents as livedo reticularislike lesions with eventual development of brown hyperpigmentation at sites of prolonged heat exposure 1. Thermal exposure to the skin can result in a spectrum of cutaneous changes. Pdf on feb 4, 2019, avinash kumar gupta and others published erythema ab igne find, read and cite all the research you need on researchgate. Erythema ab igne eai is characterized as localized areas of reticulated erythema and hyperpigmentation due to chronic and repeated exposure to infrared radiation. Historically, and before the advent of central heating, erythema ab igne was seen on the legs of individuals who sat or stood in front of heating devices.
The initial manifestation is erythema, which eventuates. Erythema ab igne is an asymptomatic cutaneous disorder characterized by erythematous reticulated hyperpigmentation resulting from chronic exposure to infrared radiation in the form of heat. After longterm and repeated exposure to heat, erythema ab igne might produce permanent discoloration of the skin. Erythema ab igne is a type of skin discoloration that results from prolonged exposure to infrared radiation. Mar 23, 2010 historically, erythema ab igne was seen on the legs of women who sat next to coal stoves or fires. Picture of skin diseases and problems erythema ab igne. The condition also occurs in cooks and others exposed to direct heat over a long period of time. Treatments for erythema ab igne including drugs, prescription medications, alternative treatments, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Jan 11, 2000 erythema ab igne eai is a reticular, erythematous, hyperpigmented eruption that may occur after chronic exposure to moderate levels of infrared radiation in the form of heat. It was once a common condition seen in the elderly who stood or sat closely to open fires or electric space heaters. After the patient discontinued heating pad use, the rash improved but did not resolve. Erythema ab igne simple english wikipedia, the free. Erythema ab igne is a skin condition usually caused by abnormal exposure to heat in a variety of forms. The evolving nomenclature of erythema ab igneredness from.
It was once a common condition seen in the elderly who sat close to open fires. Historically, and before the advent of central heating, erythema ab igne was seen on the legs of. Pdf on feb 1, 2008, akheel a syed and others published medical image. Erythema ab igne definition of erythema ab igne by the free.
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