Erythema ab Igne

Erythema ab igne and Laptop Computers

Dermatologic eruptions (AKA rashes) exist on such an interesting spectrum – from unexciting to emergent. We’ve previously discussed my general approach to rashes (and occasional disdain for them). We have also reviewed our need to maintain vigilance for the potential emergent issues balanced with the reality that most are benign (ex, Erythema Multiforme, Urticaria, Eczema Herpeticum, Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease, Staph Scaled Skin, ITP), but the one interesting aspect of rashes is that they may be just the clue we need to solve the riddle. Pyoderma Gangrenosum is a good example. Let’s take a minute to review another interesting clue – Erythema ab Igne:

Erythema ab igne: Basics

  • Erythema ab igne = “redness of the fire
    • Historically noted to have occurred after exposure to low-grade infrared radiation at temperatures below the level that would lead to a thermal burn. [Salvio, 2016]
    • Higher temperatures increase risk.
    • Prolonged exposure increase risk.
  • It is a Clinical Diagnosis. [Gmuca, 2018; Arnold, 2010]
    • Has a Reticulated (“lacy”, Web-like, Geographic) pattern.
    • Initially (after less exposure),
    • With prolonged exposure,
      • Becomes more permanent / persistent
      • Becomes hyperpigmented and violaceous.
      • May lead to cutaneous atrophy and telangiectasias.
  • Underlying pathology thought to include: [Gmuca, 2018]
    • Local hemostasis and vasodilation
    • Overtime, red blood cells extravasate into the dermis.
    • Degraded RBCs deposit hemosiderin into the dermis, staining it.
  • Can have associated Malignant Progression with persistent exposure.
    • Chronic exposure can lead to malignant transformation. [Salvio, 2016; Sigmon, 2013; Arnold, 2010]
      • Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common.
      • Merkel Cell Carcinoma can also occur.
      • Malignant transformation is delayed by multiple decades.
    • Good reason for us to encourage avoidance of prolonged exposure now!

Erythema ab igne: Associated Causes

  • Any source of radiant heat that isn’t associated with thermal burn.
  • Typically over a prolonged exposure. [Salvio, 2016]
  • Historically, associated with: [Salvio, 2016; Sigmon, 2013]
    • Charcoal braziers
    • Peat fires
    • Kilns for pottery, metal working, glass blowing, etc
  • Today, more typically seen with: [Salvio, 2016; Sigmon, 2013]
    • Pain Relief Therapies:
      • Electric blankets
      • Hot water bottles
      • Prolonged Hot Showers
      • Why we should advise not exceeding 15-20 min of continuous application of heat (ex, “don’t go to sleep with your electric blanket).
    • Heated Car Seats (when luxury bites you in the butt!)
    • Portable Space Heaters
    • Saunas, Hot Tubs, Hot Baths
    • Mobile Phones
    • Computer Laptops [Arnold, 2010]
      • Computer can produce temperatures up to 111 F (44 C).
      • Highest heat source is usually not evenly distributed, so may affect one side more than the other.
      • Optical Drive often on left side, so left leg more affected.
      • Placing laptop on lap, actually can obstruct the heat dissipation mechanisms, leading to higher temperatures.

Erythema ab igne: May Look Like:

  • Livedo Reticularis [Gmuca, 2018]
    • Physiologic – “Cutis Marmorata” – due to cold exposure and resolves with warming
    • Pathologic – does not resolve with warming; may be congenital or acquired (due to altered blood flow).
  • Autoimmune Disorders (ex, Cutaneous Vasculitis, Systemic Lupus) [Gmuca, 2018]
  • Infections (ex, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Parvovirus B19, Rheumatic Fever) [Gmuca, 2018]
  • Hematologic (ex, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, DVT) [Gmuca, 2018]

Moral of the Morsel

  • Laptops are not meant for your lap! The heat created can lead to erythema ab igne. Use a Lap Table, or a Table, or a buffer of some kind.
  • Stop it now, and avoid the potential Cancer 30 years from now. It is useful to know that it is benign today… but encourage a change in behavior to avoid future problems.

References

Samaan CB1, Valentin MN2,3, Jamison MO3, Ellison K2,3, Marathe KS2,3, Norton SA2,3,4, Kirkorian AY2,4. Erythema ab igne in patients with sickle cell disease. Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2018 Apr;35(3):225-230. PMID: 30359159. [PubMed] [Read by QxMD]
Salgado F1, Handler MZ1, Schwartz RA1. Erythema ab igne: new technology rebounding upon its users? Int J Dermatol. 2018 Apr;57(4):393-396. PMID: 28369761. [PubMed] [Read by QxMD]
Gmuca S, Yu J, Weiss PF, Treat JR, Sherry DD. Erythema Ab Igne in an Adolescent With Chronic Pain: An Alarming Cutaneous Eruption From Heat Exposure. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2018 Mar 12. PMID: 29538269. [PubMed] [Read by QxMD]
Dessinioti C1,2, Katsambas A1, Tzavela E2, Karountzos V2, Tsitsika AK2. Erythema Ab Igne in Three Girls with Anorexia Nervosa. Pediatr Dermatol. 2016 Mar-Apr;33(2):e149-50. PMID: 26822102. [PubMed] [Read by QxMD]
Salvio AG1,2, Nunes AJ1, Angarita DP3. Laptop computer induced erythema ab igne: a new presentation of an old disease. An Bras Dermatol. 2016 Sep-Oct;91(5 suppl 1):79-80. PMID: 28300902. [PubMed] [Read by QxMD]
Ladizinski B1, Sankey C2. Erythema Ab Igne. J Emerg Med. 2015 Jul;49(1):e29-30. PMID: 25934377. [PubMed] [Read by QxMD]
Steadmon MJ1, Riley KN. Erythema ab igne: a comeback story. J Pediatr. 2013 Dec;163(6):1789. PMID: 24011766. [PubMed] [Read by QxMD]
Sigmon JR1, Cantrell J, Teague D, Sangueza O, Sheehan DJ. Poorly differentiated carcinoma arising in the setting of erythema ab igne. Am J Dermatopathol. 2013 Aug;35(6):676-8. PMID: 23872874. [PubMed] [Read by QxMD]
Arnold AW1, Itin PH. Laptop computer-induced erythema ab igne in a child and review of the literature. Pediatrics. 2010 Nov;126(5):e1227-30. PMID: 20921068. [PubMed] [Read by QxMD]

Author

Sean M. Fox
Sean M. Fox
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