Erythema Ab Igne Treatment & Management

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

Medical Care

No definitive therapy is available for erythema ab igne. Reducing or eliminating exposure to the heat source early in the erythema ab igne disease process may reverse the hyperpigmentation. In cases of short duration, complete resolution occurs with removal of the offending heating device. More advanced cases may respond somewhat to tretinoin, and 5-fluorouracil cream can help clear epithelial atypia.[4]

Next

Surgical Care

In patients with chronic erythema ab igne that results in hyperpigmentation, photothermolysis using the Nd:YAG, ruby, or alexandrite laser may improve the appearance of the lesions of erythema ab igne.

Previous
Next

Activity

Cessation of chronic heat exposure is paramount in erythema ab igne. In mildly affected patients with little or no pigmentary change, their condition may resolve within several months.

Previous
Proceed to Follow-up
 
 
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

  1. Dvoretzky I, Silverman NR. Reticular erythema of the lower back. Erythema ab igne. Arch Dermatol. Mar 1991;127(3):405-6, 408-9. [Medline].

  2. Rapini, Ronald P; Bolognia, Jean L; Jorizzo, Joseph L. Dermatology. 2-Volume Set. Mosby. pp ISBN 1-4160-2999-0: St. Louis; 2008:Chapter 87.

  3. Roth D, London M. Acridine probe study into synergistic DNA-denaturing action of heat and ultraviolet light in squamous cells. J Invest Dermatol. Oct 1977;69(4):368-72. [Medline].

  4. Meffert JL, Davis BM. Furniture-induced erythema ab igne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000;34:516-517.

  5. Galvin SA, Buchness MR. Rectangular reticulate patches on the pretibial areas. Erythema ab igne. Arch Dermatol. Mar 1990;126(3):386-7, 389. [Medline].

  6. Meffert JJ, Davis BM. Furniture-induced erythema ab igne. J Am Acad Dermatol. Mar 1996;34(3):516-7. [Medline].

  7. Dvoretzky I, Silverman NR. Reticular erythema of the lower back. Erythema ab igne. Arch Dermatol. Mar 1991;127(3):405-6, 408-9. [Medline].

  8. Imamura MT, Imamura ST, Hsing WT. Agentes físicos em reabilitacao. In: Lianza S, editores. Medicina de reabilitacao. 2a ed. Sao Paulo: Guanabara-Koogan; 1995:103-7.

  9. Arrington JH 3rd, Lockman DS. Thermal keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma in situ associated with erythema ab igne. Arch Dermatol. Oct 1979;115(10):1226-8. [Medline].

  10. Milligan A, Graham-Brown RA. Erythema ab igne affecting the palms. Clin Exp Dermatol. Mar 1989;14(2):168-9. [Medline].

  11. Sahl WJ Jr, Taira JW. Erythema ab igne: treatment with 5-fluorouracil cream. J Am Acad Dermatol. Jul 1992;27(1):109-10. [Medline].

  12. The pigmentary system. James J. et. al. physiology and pathophysiology. Second Edition. 931-932.

  13. Tan S, Bertucci V. Erythema ab igne: an old condition new again. CMAJ. Jan 11 2000;162(1):77-8. [Medline].

  14. Bilic M, Adams BB. Erythema ab igne induced by a laptop computer. J Am Acad Dermatol. Jun 2004;50(6):973-4. [Medline].

  15. Kokturk A, Kaya TI, Baz K, Yazici AC, Apa DD, Ikizoglu G. Bullous erythema ab igne. Dermatol Online J. Aug 2003;9(3):18. [Medline].

  16. Dellavalle RP, Gillum P. Erythema ab igne following heating/cooling blanket use in the intensive care unit. Cutis. Aug 2000;66(2):136-8. [Medline].

  17. Ashby M. Erythema ab igne in cancer patients. J R Soc Med. Nov 1985;78(11):925-7. [Medline].

  18. Mok DW, Blumgart LH. Erythema ab igne in chronic pancreatic pain: a diagnostic sign. J R Soc Med. Apr 1984;77(4):299-301. [Medline].

  19. Mucklow ES, Freeman NV. Pancreatic ascites in childhood. Br J Clin Pract. Jun 1990;44(6):248-51. [Medline].

  20. Meffert JJ, Davis BM. Furniture-induced erythema ab igne. J Am Acad Dermatol. Mar 1996;34(3):516-7. [Medline].

  21. Donohue KG, Nahm WK, Badiavas E, Li L, Pedvis-Leftick A. Hot pop brown spot: erythema Ab igne induced by heated popcorn. J Dermatol. Mar 2002;29(3):172-3. [Medline].

  22. Sesay M, Dhanji S. Case report: erythema ab igne in a patient with diabetic neuropathy. Am Fam Physician. Aug 15 2009;80(4):322. [Medline].

  23. Radmanesh M. Erythema ab igne following Sauna belt use for abdominal obesity and cellulite. Int J Dermatol. Jan 2009;48(1):94-5. [Medline].

  24. Helm TN, Spigel GT, Helm KF. Erythema ab igne caused by a car heater. Cutis. Feb 1997;59(2):81-2. [Medline].

  25. Bilic M, Adams BB. Erythema ab igne induced by a laptop computer. J Am Acad Dermatol. Jun 2004;50(6):973-4. [Medline].

  26. Jagtman BA. Erythema ab igne due to a laptop computer. Contact Dermatitis. Feb 2004;50(2):105. [Medline].

  27. Mohr MR, Scott KA, Rariser RM. Laptop Computer-Induced Erythema Ab Igne:A Case Report. Cutis. 2007;79:59-60.

  28. Bachmeyer C, Bensaid P, Bégon E. Laptop computer as a modern cause of erythema ab igne. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Jun 2009;23(6):736-7. [Medline].

  29. Fite C, Bouscarat F. [Laptop computer-induced erythema Ab Igne]. Presse Med. Jul-Aug 2009;38(7-8):1164-5. [Medline].

  30. Dvoretzky I, Silverman NR. Reticular erythema of the lower back. Erythema ab igne. Arch Dermatol. Mar 1991;127(3):405-6, 408-9. [Medline].

  31. Finlayson GR, Sams WM Jr, Smith JG Jr. Erythema ab igne: a histopathological study. J Invest Dermatol. Jan 1966;46(1):104-8. [Medline].

  32. Hardy JD, Stolwijk JA, Hammel HT, Murgatroyd D. Skin temperature and cutaneous pain during warm water immersion. J Appl Physiol. Sep 1965;20(5):1014-21. [Medline].

  33. Howe NR, Bader RS. Erythema ab igne. Clin Dermatol. 1998;2:7-8.

  34. Peterkin GA. Malignant change in erythema ab igne. Br Med J. Dec 31 1955;2(4956):1599-602. [Medline].

  35. Sahl WJ Jr, Taira JW. Erythema ab igne: treatment with 5-fluorouracil cream. J Am Acad Dermatol. Jul 1992;27(1):109-10. [Medline].

  36. Shahrad P, Marks R. The wages of warmth: changes in erythema ab igne. Br J Dermatol. Aug 1977;97(2):179-86. [Medline].

 
Previous
Next
 
 
 
 
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2012 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.