Toasted skin syndrome warning after rise in cases of kids burned by phones and laptops

Toasted skin syndrome warning after rise in cases of kids burned by phones and laptops Children who rest electronic devices on bare skin are showing up in hospitals with cases of 'toasted skin syndrome' after developing a mystery rash, doctors warned Doctors have warned parents over the dangers of resting laptops on bare skin after a rise in cases of 'toasted skin syndrome' in children. Also known as 'laptop thigh', the condition erythema ab igne (EAI) is usually found in adults who use water bottles or heated pads - but is becoming increasingly common among youngsters who use electronic devices. EAI is caused by long-term exposure to low level heat, and leaves sufferers with red, blotchy rash on their skin. The rash usually disappears within a few weeks or months if the heat source is removed - but some cases can lead to persistent hyper-pigmentation. It comes after a pre-teen boy was diagnosed with EAI after resting his laptop on his stomach for up to eight hours a day. Have you or your child been affected by this skin problem? Get in touch at [email protected] Writing in the British Medical Journal, Dr Mara Znagoveanu, of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said the patient went to the children’s emergency department with “spontaneous bruising”. No-one in his family could figure out what was causing the bruises to appear, as he had not suffered any recent injury, and he showed no other symptoms. Blood tests and scans returned normal, and he was discharged - but two weeks later, he returned to hospital after the rash started peeling. On this visit, doctors learnt he was home-schooled and used a laptop for learning, which he rested his stomach for up to eight hours a day - often while it was charging. The boy was eventually diagnosed with EAI, and his father said in a phone consultation several months later that his rash had cleared. Dr Znagoveanu said: “As more commonly reported in adults, EAI may be overlooked in children, especially when the source of heat is less obvious than the traditional sources such as hot water bottles and heating pads. “The increasing use of electronic devices, particularly during home schooling, has emerged as an under-recognised cause of EAI in paediatric populations” The doctor recommended that EAI is considered more frequently when assessing children for skin complaints, as early detection can avoid “unnecessary investigations” such as blood tests or scans. Dr Znagoveanu said: “There are currently no formal paediatric guidelines for EAI, and diagnosis remains clinical, based on history and characteristic findings. “A limitation of this case is the lack of in-person follow-up, with resolution confirmed by the patient’s family via telephone call. This case highlights the importance of considering EAI in children presenting with reticulated rashes, particularly in the context of increasing electronic device use. Early recognition through targeted history-taking can prevent misdiagnosis and avoid unnecessary investigations.” How do I know if it's toasted skin syndrome? Here are the key signs of toasted skin syndrome: - A red, mottled, net-like discolouration that develops on the skin - Caused by prolonged, repeated exposure to a heat source, such as a laptop, heat lamp or hot water bottle, rather than allergy or disease - Usually painless, though can feel itchy, burning, or tingling - Becomes worse with more exposure to heat