Toasted skin rash (erythema ab igne)

Overview

It looks like a lacy brown or red pattern where heat was applied over and over.

Common sources are heating pads, laptops, space heaters, and car seat heaters.

Heat sources like laptops, heating pads, or space heaters cause it.

It looks like a net-shaped brown or red pattern.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Lacy brown rash
• Dark spots or patches on the skin

Less common

• Itching

When to get medical care

Causes

Heat.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Stop using the heat source

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Use a lap desk

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People using heating pads often: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Color often fades over months once the heat stops.

Fades over months.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Will the color fade?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Toasted skin rash (erythema ab igne)