It's that time of year when millions of Americans cozy up with heating pads, electric blankets, and space heaters to ride out the cold weather. However, a TikTok dermatologist is warning people that overuse of these products could trigger a permanent, albeit typically harmless skin condition.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mark Strom, who goes by "Dr. Mark" on the platform, recently shared the video of another creator who learned about the condition the hard way. In a video that has since racked up millions of views, user Faith Harrell showed off her stomach, which was covered in dark blotches.
"Your friendly reminder to not excessively use your heating pad on your stomach at the highest setting," she wrote in text overlaying the video.
"This is a fantastic reminder and PSA from this creator, because many don’t realize that you actually need to be very careful about chronic heat exposure to your skin," Strom said in his own clip. "Even heat exposure that’s not causing any pain at the time or burning, because long term heat exposure can lead to a permanent rash and discoloration like this."
@dermarkologist Erythema ab igne or toasted skin syndrome is caused by long-term heat exposure to the skin. Things that can cause it are heating pads, especially those used for endometriosis pain or cramping, space heaters, and even a hot laptop that is always placed on your lap. The discoloration can be permanent, so if you notice these skin changes starting to happen, it’s best to try to stop the heat exposure! Thank you @Faith for sharing! #erythemaabigne #toastedskinsyndrome #dermarkologist #heatingpad #spaceheater
♬ original sound - Dr. Mark, MD | Dermarkologist
"This condition is called erythema ab igne, or toasted skin syndrome, and it causes permanent net-like patterns of brown, purple, or red discoloration," he continued. "Some of the biggest culprits of causing this are heating pads, like ones that are used to treat things like endometriosis pain. Space heaters that can excessively warm the skin, even a super hot laptop that you're always putting on your lap."
According to Web MD, erythema ab igne, or EAI, used to be common among those who worked near stoves or fires, such as bakers and metalworkers. However, the condition became less common after the advent of central heating, because people no longer spend as much time huddled around heat stoves and coal fires.
Strom added that if you start to notice discoloration on your skin after using a heating product, to stop the exposure ASAP "hopefully before the discoloration becomes permanent."
