UK Boy Develops 'Toasted Skin Syndrome' From Daily Laptop Use
A U.K. boy developed 'toasted skin syndrome' after long daily laptop use on his abdomen, a new medical report says.
The case described a rash in a patch about 15 centimeters, or six inches, wide. It was made of flat, reddish-brown 'interlacing lines forming irregular circles and a lace-like morphology,' Ars Technica reported. The appearance initially led doctors to consider bruising, and they began asking the boy more questions. He told them he was homeschooled and used a laptop for his schoolwork. He said he typically worked with the laptop resting on his abdomen, sometimes for up to eight hours a day, and often while it was charging. The doctors then diagnosed him with erythema ab igne (EAI).
EAI translates from Latin as 'redness from fire' and is also called 'toasted skin syndrome.' It is a skin condition caused by repeated, prolonged exposure to low-grade heat, meaning heat that is not hot enough to cause actual burns. The condition is most often seen in adults. Common causes include using heating pads or hot water bottles for chronic pain, or sitting too close to space heaters. Some people also develop it from occupational hazards such as glassblowing and metal work. EAI produces a lace-like rash, similar to the boy's.
It is unclear exactly how EAI develops, according to the report. Researchers hypothesize that chronic heat exposure damages superficial blood vessels and causes the release of red blood cells, forming the tell-tale red reticulated pattern.
Although the boy's condition looked ominous, EAI is generally benign and reversible once the heat source is removed. Severe or long-term cases can leave some pigmentation and scarring. The boy's parents checked back over several months and reported that the rash faded and then completely resolved.