Can heating pads or space heaters cause ‘toasted skin syndrome’?

“Toasted skin syndrome” is another term some use for the skin condition erythema ab igne, which is Latin for “redness from fire.”

What does toasted skin syndrome look like and feel like?

Erythema ab igne is a patchy skin discoloration that usually starts as pink patches then transitions into brown discoloration in a reticulated, or fishnet, pattern. It can also be associated with burning and occasionally itching sensation.

What causes toasted skin syndrome?

Exposing your skin directly to low-grade heat repeatedly for long periods of time can lead to erythema ab igne. The heat sources can include space heaters at close range, heating pads, hot water bottles, heated car seats and even laptops.

The discoloration will occur as a direct result of the repeated exposure to a heat source over a continuous timeframe, such as on your shins from a space heater directed at your legs, on your back when you use a heating pad for low back pain, on the tops of your thighs when putting your laptop in your lap.

These are heat sources that aren’t hot enough to burn you but are much warmer than what we consider room temperature, less than 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

There’s no specific amount of time or number of exposures that we know it always takes to develop erythema ab igne, but if you start to notice prolonged patchy redness on your skin where you’re applying heat, that’s your body’s way of telling you there’s too much direct exposure to that heat source.

Is this the same as heat rash?

Heat rash is a temporary reaction to blocked sweat glands and leads to small bumps or blisters on the skin, sometimes with swelling, related to heat and sweat. Toasted skin syndrome is related to the dilation of your blood vessels when exposed to prolonged, low level heat.

How common is toasted skin syndrome?

Toasted skin syndrome can occur in anyone with repeated and prolonged exposure to heat on the skin.

Is toasted skin syndrome dangerous?

In general, this condition isn’t dangerous, but it is best to avoid prolonged heat exposure that it can lead to this skin discoloration. Skin cancers have been reported but are extremely rare.

How to treat toasted skin syndrome

In early stages, an easy way to treat toasted skin syndrome is to remove the source of heat. Remove the heat source altogether or at least decrease how often, how long and how close the heat source is to your skin. At some times, if the skin is itchy or inflamed, you can consider a low-potency topical steroid.

Be aware, however, that for some chronic heat users, the skin discoloration is permanent.

When to see a doctor about a rash like this

While erythema ab igne itself is not necessarily harmful, it would be important to see your doctor — and specifically a board-certified dermatologist — for skin rashes that are chronically itchy, painful, not healing, changing in color or causing you concern.