Erythema ab igne, also known as “Toasted skin syndrome” or “Fire stains”, is a dermatological condition that is caused by prolonged exposure to a heat source. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated, it was “once a common condition seen in the elderly who stood or sat closely to open fires or electric space heaters” to keep warm in the days before central heating.

However the syndrome, which leaves skin with a nasty-looking mottled rash, often in a net-like pattern, could be about to become more common again; this time, thanks to the rise in popularity of the Laptop .

Researchers from the University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland, published details of a 12-year old boy presenting with Erythema ab igne on his thigh in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics and pointed to the patient being the youngest of ten reported cases since the recognition of “laptop-induced dermatosis” in 2004.

Here’s Newsy’s collation of what some sectors of the media are saying…

Although there are only 10 documented cases of Erythema ab igne that have been attributed to portable PC s, it is likely that many have gone unreported. So, tied to the “cancer warnings” coming from the usual suspects – despite the evidence concluding this is a very rare occurrence – should we be really worried?

In a word, no.

Dr Bav Shergill, consultant dermatologist at Brighton University Hospitals told the Laptop like this every day, there could be discolouration, but even this should clear up.”

source Laptop-Induced “Toasted Skin Syndrome” Review Explorer - Technology News Reviews