Erythema ab igne.
Erythema ab igne is a reticulated, erythematous or hyperpigmented dermatosis that results from chronic and repeated exposure to low levels of infrared radiation. Multiple heat sources have been reported to cause this condition, which include heated reclining chairs, heating pads, hot water bottles, car heaters, electric space heaters, and, more recently, laptop computers. Treatment consists of withdrawing the inciting heat source. Although erythema ab igne carries a good prognosis, it is not necessarily a self-limited diagnosis as patients are at long-term risk of developing subsequent cutaneous malignant conditions, which include squamous cell and merkel-cell carcinomas.
Department of Dermatology, New York University, New York, New York, USA.
Kristen
K
Miller
Raegan
R
Hunt
Julie
J
Chu
Shane
S
Meehan
Jennifer
J
Stein
D001706:Biopsy; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000209:etiology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005667:Furunculosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006361:Heating / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008875:Middle Aged; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology