Erythema ab igne (EAI), also known as hot water bottle rash , is a skin condition caused by long-term exposure to heat (infrared radiation). Prolonged exposure to radiation to the skin can lead to the development of reticular erythema, hyperpigmentation, scaling and telangiectasis in the affected area. Some people may complain of mild itching and burning sensations, but often, unless changes in visible pigmentation, it can escape the attention.
Video Erythema ab igne
Cause
Different types of heat sources can cause these conditions such as:
- Repeated application of hot water bottles, heating blankets or hot pads to treat chronic pain - eg, chronic back pain.
- Repeated exposure to heated car seats, heating, or fireplace. Repeated or prolonged exposure to heating is a common cause of this condition in the elderly.
- The dangers of the work of silversmiths and jewelers (hot-faced faces), bakers and cooks (weapons)
- Rest the laptop computer on the thigh (computer-induced computer erythema). In a review of 2012, Riahi and Cohen describe the characteristics of computer-induced erythema ab igne laptops. Temperatures between 43-47 Â ° C can cause this skin condition; Modern laptops can produce temperatures in this range. Indeed, a laptop with a powerful processor can reach a temperature of 50 Ã, Â ° C and is associated with burns. The position of the laptop on the thigh can allow direct exposure to the laptop heating element, which includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU). At least 15 cases have been reported in 2012 with conditions that typically affect the left anterior thigh. In this report, 9 of 15 patients were women (60%) with an average age of 25 years at diagnosis.
- In Kashmir, due to the use of kangers that also cause cancer kangri
- This is a classic finding in chronic pancreatitis and may also be seen in people with hypothyroidism or lymphoedema
Maps Erythema ab igne
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of erythema ab igne is still unknown. It has been proposed that exposure to thermal radiation can cause epidermal damage to superficial veins which then lead to vascular dilatation. The hemosiderin deposition may subsequently occur in the reticular distribution. Vasodilation of vessels presents morphologically as erythema that was initially observed. Red blood cell extravasion and clinically followed hemosiderin deposition appear as hyperpigmentation. It has also been proposed that the distribution of exposed blood vessels - especially in the superficial subcutaneous plexus (found in papillary dermis) - results in a tissue-like erythema ab pattern in skin lesions.
Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
- Livedo reticularis
- Vasculitis
Treatment
Stopping contact with the heat source is the initial treatment of erythema ab igne. If the area is only slightly exposed to redness, the condition may disappear within a few months. If the condition is severe and skin is pigmented and atrophy, resolution is not possible. In this case, it is possible that squamous cell carcinoma or neuroendocrine carcinoma such as Merkel cell carcinoma may be formed. If there is persistent pain that does not heal or a lump growing in the rash, a skin biopsy should be performed to rule out the possibility of skin cancer. If erythema ab igne lesions show a pre-cancerous change, the use of 5-fluorouracil cream has been recommended. Pigmented skin that is not normal can last for years. Treatment with topical tretinoin or laser can improve appearance.
Epidemiology
Erythema ab igne was once commonly seen in older people standing or sitting close to open fire or electric heaters; However, erythema ab igne has been reported in young and elderly individuals. Women have higher incidence of erythema ab igne than men. Although widespread central heating use has reduced the overall incidence of erythema ab igne, it is sometimes still found in people exposed to heat from other sources such as heating pads, heating, hot water bottles, and electronic devices.
References
External links
- DermNet vascular/erythema-ab-igne
- New England Journal of Medicine Challenges
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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