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Erythema ab igne in Adult
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Erythema ab igne in Adult

Contributors: Nicholas Theodosakis MD, PhD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Erythema ab igne (EAI), which literally means "redness from fire" in Latin, is a disorder of hyperpigmentation caused by long-term exposure to heat. This exposure produces cutaneous hyperthermia, which in turn results in histopathologic changes similar to those seen in sun-damaged skin. Prolonged use of hot water bottles, heating pads, electric blankets, or sitting near a wood stove or fireplace can trigger the formation of this disorder. EAI has also reportedly been caused by sitting for long periods with a laptop computer on the lap.

Although burns do not occur from the heat exposure, the skin develops mottled, reticulated (net-like), pink, reddish, or violaceous patches that eventually become brown from melanin deposition. There may be pruritus or mild burning paresthesias. Rarely, vesicles or bullae have been described in affected areas. The resultant pigmentation changes can be permanent. Currently, there is no effective treatment for them. The disorder is more common in women. One retrospective study found an approximately 2:1 female predominance, with the anterior legs being the most common site affected.

Chronic exposure to infrared radiation in the form of heat may predispose to the development of malignancy, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), or rarely Merkel cell carcinoma, having been observed in isolated cases of EAI.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L59.0 – Erythema ab igne

SNOMEDCT:
238510001 – Erythema ab igne

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Last Reviewed:08/24/2020
Last Updated:09/13/2020
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Erythema ab igne in Adult
A medical illustration showing key findings of Erythema ab igne : Hyperpigmented patch, Mottled configuration, Reticular configuration, Prolonged heat exposure
Clinical image of Erythema ab igne - imageId=93362. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Widespread mottled and reticulate erythema with associated light brown patches and a single crust on the back.'
Widespread mottled and reticulate erythema with associated light brown patches and a single crust on the back.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.