What is toasted skin syndrome?
Ask the doctor
Q. I use a heated blanket on my legs every night to fend off the winter chill. But I’ve noticed a strange rash developing just on the areas it touches. What’s going on?
A. It sounds like you have toasted skin syndrome. Known medically as erythema ab igne (Latin for “redness from fire”), this aptly named condition resembles a fishnet pattern and often discolors the skin red or brown. It can result from any chronic, low-level, direct exposure to heat sources, which also include laptops, heating pads, and heated car seats. Toasted skin syndrome can even occur from sitting too close to a space heater.
The level of heat that triggers the rash isn’t high enough to burn you, but it can dilate superficial blood vessels under the skin. That’s what causes the skin to discolor over time. How do you treat it? Lower the setting of your electric blanket or heating pad, or limit how long you use it. If your laptop is the problem, place a lap desk or other buffer between it and your skin. The rash should fade over weeks. If it doesn’t, see your doctor.
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About the Author
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
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