Erythema Ab Igne Follow-up

  • Author: Laila I Alotaibi, MD, MSc; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Apr 23, 2010
 

Further Outpatient Care

As in patients with chronic solar damage, monitor patients with erythema ab igne at regular intervals for possible development of thermal keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, and squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, although not yet reported, other cutaneous malignancies (eg, malignant melanoma) feasibly may develop within the affected areas.

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Deterrence/Prevention

Reducing or eliminating exposure to the heat source can help prevent erythema ab igne development.

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Complications

Malignant degeneration may occur and should be monitored.

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Prognosis

The prognosis is good, except those cases associated with internal disease or metastatic malignancy. Early changes, such as erythema and little or no hyperpigmentation, may resolve within several months. Chronic and repeated exposure to heat may result in permanent changes such as hyperpigmentation and atrophy. In addition, thermal keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, and squamous cell carcinoma have been reported within the lesions of erythema ab igne.

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Patient Education

Explain the etiology of the disorder to patients, and emphasize that the cessation of heat exposure is paramount. Inform patients with erythema ab igne about the possibility of malignant degeneration in the affected areas. Educate patients about detection and the need for prompt treatment.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Laila I Alotaibi, MD, MSc  Dermatologist, Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, United Arab Emirates

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Anwar Al Hammadi, MD, FRCPC  Consultant and Head of Dermatology, Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority; Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Anwar Al Hammadi, MD, FRCPC is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian Dermatology Association, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and Skin Cancer Foundation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Marjan Garmyn, MD, PhD  Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium; Chair and Adjunct Head, Department of Dermatology, University of Leuven, Belgium

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David F Butler, MD  Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Edward F Chan, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Edward F Chan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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