Reticulated red/brown pigmentation after months of using a heating pad for low back and buttock pain.
Reticulated red/brown pigmentation after months of using a heating pad for low back and buttock pain.
Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a reticulated pattern of hyperpigmentation that develops at the site of chronic exposure of the skin to heat. This condition represents thermal damage to the skin in areas where the blood supply is sluggish and unable to adequately able to dissipate the heat. There is an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma and rarely, Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
A reticulated pattern of erythema and later hyperpigmentation at the site of chronic thermal exposure (e.g. from a heater, heating pad, laptop computer or fire) is characteristic. Rarely, bullous lesions may occur. Typical forms are EAI of the shins in a patient who huddles near a fire, facial EAI in cooks, or low-back EAI in patients with low-back pain who frequently use hot water bottles. A special recliner with a built-in heating element has caused EAI in two patients. EAI should always prompt an inquiry as to the source of the heat, and if it is to relieve pain, what the source of the pain is. Underlying pancreatitis, splenomegaly, or cancer all resulting in pain, have been found in this manner.
EAI. Note the midline lumbar surgery scar.
Homepage | Who is Dr. White? | Privacy Policy | FAQs | Use of Images | Contact Dr. White