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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
erythema ab igne
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
erythema ab igne
by Brooke52, Mar 03, 2008 11:52PM
Dear Dr. Rockoff,
The discoloration I noted on my back looks like the images I found on the internet of this condition. I have a 1&1/2 to 2 month history of using a heating pad on my back to warm up in the morning while sitting in a chair drinking coffee and checking news on the internet.I immediately ceased using the heating pad when I saw the discoloration. I had no idea this could happen and will probably never use a heating pad again.
I plan to make an appt. to be evaluated by a dermatologist instead of seeing my PCP first since he would probably refer me to a dermatologist anyway. Does this sound like the appropriate next step? Is this condition easily diagnosed by visual exam and patient history? Would the Dr. likely do a biopsy or would that depend on what he sees? If a biopsy is done, what type of biopsy would it be and would it likely be done in the office?
I am very concerned. I am a worry wart and will probably lose 5 pounds this week worrying about it. There is no pain or itching and I would not know it was there if I didn't see it. How dangerous is this condition? Does it require periodic monitoring or biopsy by a Dr? Will the discoloration fade in time? On some of the websites I went to, it didn't sound too scary but the information I found on others terrified me. If this is what I have, is the risk of skin cancer very high?
I am definately planning on seeing a Dr. but I was hoping you may provide some information that might calm my fears a bit. Thanks in advance.
Brooke
The discoloration I noted on my back looks like the images I found on the internet of this condition. I have a 1&1/2 to 2 month history of using a heating pad on my back to warm up in the morning while sitting in a chair drinking coffee and checking news on the internet.I immediately ceased using the heating pad when I saw the discoloration. I had no idea this could happen and will probably never use a heating pad again.
I plan to make an appt. to be evaluated by a dermatologist instead of seeing my PCP first since he would probably refer me to a dermatologist anyway. Does this sound like the appropriate next step? Is this condition easily diagnosed by visual exam and patient history? Would the Dr. likely do a biopsy or would that depend on what he sees? If a biopsy is done, what type of biopsy would it be and would it likely be done in the office?
I am very concerned. I am a worry wart and will probably lose 5 pounds this week worrying about it. There is no pain or itching and I would not know it was there if I didn't see it. How dangerous is this condition? Does it require periodic monitoring or biopsy by a Dr? Will the discoloration fade in time? On some of the websites I went to, it didn't sound too scary but the information I found on others terrified me. If this is what I have, is the risk of skin cancer very high?
I am definately planning on seeing a Dr. but I was hoping you may provide some information that might calm my fears a bit. Thanks in advance.
Brooke
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Mar 04, 2008 05:37AM
, Mar 04, 2008 05:37AM
To: Brooke52
It sounds as though you've made a pretty astute diagnosis, because it does sound like erythema ab igne (Latin for "redness from fire".) This can come from heating pads, or from laptops and cellphones that touch the skin. I each case, the heat has to be pretty intense and last a long time. But this is just a question of appearance--there's no danger from it and no risk of cancer. I don't know what you read on the internet, but if I were you, I'd just wait till you see the doctor, who will most likely be able to make the diagnosis at a glance. No biopsy should be needed. And no treatment either, because there really isn't any. The color change will probably stay there....
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
