Abstract
Erythema ab igne is a thermal-associated skin condition that can occur secondary to persistent direct or indirect contact with heat. Historically, erythema ab igne has been linked to fireplace and stove exposures; more recently, it has been associated with heaters, hot water bottles, and laptops. A 48-year-old woman presented for the evaluation of hyperpigmented, reticulated macular lesions on her distal legs. Additional history revealed that she had developed erythema ab igne secondary to the use of a space heater underneath her desk at work. Her skin condition stopped progressing with removal of the causative agent. In addition to erythema ab igne, heat-related skin conditions include basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, burns, erythromelalgia, subtypes of urticaria, and ultraviolet-associated disorders. Awareness of thermal-associated skin conditions enables the clinician to establish the appropriate diagnosis based on the associated history of the condition, the morphology of the skin lesion, and, if necessary, correlation with the skin biopsy findings of the cutaneous condition.
Highlights
Erythema ab igne is an unintentional thermal-associated adverse cutaneous disorder that can occur following repeated exposure to an exogenous heat source
Erythema ab igne has been linked to fireplace and stove exposures; more recently, it has been associated with heaters, hot water bottles, and laptops
In addition to erythema ab igne, other disorders can be classified as thermal-mediated skin conditions
Summary
Erythema ab igne is an unintentional thermal-associated adverse cutaneous disorder that can occur following repeated exposure to an exogenous heat source This skin condition presents as net-like, erythematous bands that become darker and fixed with persistent exposure to the causative agent. These include basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, certain subtypes of urticaria, and miscellaneous conditions that can affect the skin, such as burns, erythromelalgia, and ultraviolet-mediated skin disorders These injuries may occur as a result of direct or indirect exposure to the causative heat factor. Cutaneous examination revealed a woman with Fitzpatrick skin type IV; her skin color was moderate brown, and she minimally burned and always tanned well after sun exposure She had hyperpigmented, reticulated patches on the anterior and posterior surfaces of both lower legs (Figure 1). She was advised to immediately discontinue the use of the space heater at work
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