Toasted Skin Syndrome

Toasted skin syndrome, also called erythema ab igne, is a skin condition that comes from repeated and prolonged exposure to low levels of heat and occasional repeated high levels of heat. The heat is warm enough to damage your skin over time. But it’s not hot enough to cause a burn. It can cause a discolored, patchy rash.

Common heat sources include laptops, heating pads, car seat warmers and space heaters. The rash may feel itchy. It’s usually harmless in the early stages and often fades once you remove the heat source. In some cases, your skin may permanently stay darker in that area.

A healthcare provider can help you manage this condition if skin changes stick around.

Symptoms of toasted skin syndrome

Because low-level heat damages your skin slowly and doesn’t cause a true burn, you may not feel symptoms at first. If symptoms do occur, you might notice:

• A mild stinging feeling
• Itchy skin

Changes you might see on your skin may include:

• Skin discoloration (darkening or redness) in one area at first
• A netlike or patchy rash
• Thinner skin or thickened, rough skin

The rash may fade when you press on it early on. As the condition progresses, it no longer fades when you press it.

Signs and symptoms may appear on your lower back, belly (abdomen), thighs or legs. The location usually depends on the type of heat and where it touches your skin.

Toasted skin syndrome causes

This condition happens after repeated exposure to heat in one area of your skin. Over weeks or months, heat can damage small blood vessels and pigment in your skin. This damage leads to the netlike pattern seen with this condition.

In the past, people developed this rash from open fires, wood-burning stoves or kerosene lamps. Today, it’s more often linked to modern heat sources like:

• Car seat warmers
• Heated blankets
• Heating pads
• Hot water bottles
• Laptops resting on your skin
• Space heaters

Risk factors

The following may increase your risk:

• Long-term heat exposure: Regular contact with low-level heat, or repeated use of heating pads, space heaters, laptops or other sources can damage your skin over weeks to months.
• Ongoing medical conditions that cause pain: Conditions that cause chronic pain or discomfort, like back pain or abdominal pain, may lead you to use heat often.

Is toasted skin syndrome dangerous?

This condition usually isn’t dangerous. In most cases, the rash improves once you stop exposing your skin to heat.

In rare cases, long-term changes in the affected area could link to precancerous (early abnormal) or cancerous skin changes. Because of this, a healthcare provider should check any area that becomes thickened, develops sores or doesn’t improve after you stop using heat.

Is toasted skin syndrome permanent?

It isn’t always permanent. In many cases, your skin may slowly improve after you remove the heat source. It can take months to years for your skin to return to its usual color.

But long-term or repeated heat exposure could cause permanent skin changes. Some people develop a lasting darkening of their skin (hyperpigmentation).

How doctors diagnose toasted skin syndrome

Healthcare providers usually diagnose toasted skin syndrome by looking at your skin and asking about your health history.

Your provider will ask if you used a heat source on the affected area, like a heating pad or laptop, over weeks or months. They may also ask about ongoing pain that led you to use heat often.

In most cases, they won’t need to do any testing. If your skin has sores, thickened areas or it doesn’t improve, your provider may take a small skin sample (biopsy). A biopsy helps rule out other skin conditions.

Toasted skin syndrome treatment

The most important treatment is to stop using the heat source that caused the rash. Removing the heat early helps prevent further skin damage.

After you stop the heat exposure, many cases improve on their own.

If discoloration doesn’t get better, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Tretinoin (a prescription retinoid cream that helps skin cells turn over)
• Hydroquinone (a cream that helps lighten dark spots)
• Laser removal of pigmented or dark skin

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Visit a healthcare provider if you:

• Have a rash that isn’t going away
• Notice concerning skin changes like sores, thickened or rough skin, blisters or other unusual changes
• Need to use heat for ongoing pain

What’s the prognosis for toasted skin syndrome?

The outlook for toasted skin syndrome is generally good. Most cases improve once you stop using the heat source. Limiting further exposure helps prevent more skin damage. If exposure continues for a long time, permanent skin discoloration (lasting dark patches) may occur.

If you rely on heat because you’re often cold or dealing with ongoing pain, making this change might be challenging. Talk with your healthcare provider about safer options that may help manage your symptoms while protecting your skin.

How to prevent toasted skin syndrome

Toasted skin syndrome is preventable. You can lower your risk by:

• Avoiding direct heat on your skin: Don’t place heating pads, hot water bottles or laptops directly on your body.
• Limiting repeated heat exposure: Try not to use low-level heat on the same spot over weeks or months.
• Using safer options for chronic pain: If you use heat for back, abdominal or joint pain, talk with your healthcare provider about other pain relief options and treatment for the underlying cause.
• Seeking early care: If you notice skin changes, early evaluation may help prevent long-term damage.