Boy Developed 'Toasted Skin' Condition From Using a Laptop Every Day
A medical report published earlier this week says a boy in the U.K. developed erythema ab igne, or "toasted skin syndrome," after resting a laptop on his abdomen for up to eight hours a day, often while it was charging. "The marks were described as being in a patch about 15 centimeters (six inches) wide, made of flat, reddish-brown 'interlacing lines forming irregular circles and a lace-like…
A medical report reveals a U.K. boy developed erythema ab igne, or toasted skin syndrome, after frequently using a laptop on his abdomen for up to eight hours daily, often while charging. The reddish-brown patch covering about six inches wide appeared as flat, irregularly shaped lines forming a lace-like pattern, according to Ars Technica.
Initially, doctors suspected bruising and inquired further when the boy disclosed he was homeschooled and used a laptop for schoolwork. Upon learning his routine, doctors diagnosed him with erythema ab igne, a skin condition caused by prolonged exposure to low-grade heat which is not hot enough to cause actual burns. EAI is more common in adults and often results from heating pads, hot water bottles, or sitting near space heaters.
Rare occupational causes include glassblowing and metal work. The exact cause of EAI remains unclear, but researchers believe chronic heat exposure damages superficial blood vessels, leading to the formation of red reticulated patterns. While the condition is generally benign and reversible once the heat source is removed, severe or prolonged exposure may result in some pigmentation and scarring.
In the boy's case, his rash faded and completely resolved after several months, likely after switching to a laptop stand.
Written by urgent.news from Slashdot's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
