Toasted skin syndrome: All you need to know as cases of horror burns soar in kids

Toasted skin syndrome: All you need to know as cases of horror burns soar in kids Doctors have identified one common everyday habit as the cause of a mystery rash in young people - here's everything you need to know about 'toasted skin syndrome' Rising numbers of children are developing mystery burns on their skin from laptops, doctors say. Once a condition seen most often in elderly people who sat too close to the fireplace, a recent uptick in cases of 'toasted skin' syndrome is being linked to youngsters resting electronic devices on bare skin, according to new research published in the British Medical Journal. The rash typically appears in a web or net-like pattern underneath the skin, and deepens or spreads with further exposure to heat. Here's everything you need to know about toasted skin syndrome: What is it? Toasted skin syndrome, medically known as erythema ab igne (EAI), is a condition where a mottled, net-like discolouration develops on the skin. It is caused by prolonged, repeated exposure to low-level heat sources that are warm but not hot enough to cause a traditional blistered burn. This dilates and damages superficial blood vessels, causing a web-like hyperpigmentation and mild inflammation. In the modern day, cases are frequently triggered by resting hot laptops on thighs, over-use of hot water bottles, or sitting too close to heaters. How is it diagnosed? There aren't any blood tests that can tell you if you have the condition, so a doctor will usually diagnose you through observing the rash and asking you about your day-to-day habits. A new study in the British Medical Journal told the story of one home-schooled teenage boy whose parents took him to the children’s A&E department in Leicester with “spontaneous bruising”. He was sent home after tests for common skin conditions came back negative - but returned to hospital two weeks later with a worsening rash. While medics asked about common heat sources, further questioning revealed the boy was being home-schooled and used a laptop for learning. He reported resting the device on his stomach for up to eight hours a day, usually while it was charging. Does the rash go away? Usually yes, though it can become a persistent, lasting rash in some cases. The most important step in reversing the rash is identifying and taking steps to remove skin contact with offending heat source, such as a hot water bottle, heat pad or laptop. In mild or early cases, the web-like rash will typically fade on its own and disappear completely over a period of several weeks to months. But if the skin has been exposed to the heat source repeatedly over a long period of time, the discolouration can become permanent, and may require specialist laser therapy.