A pre-teen boy was treated in the hospital for erythema ab igne, a skin condition causing discoloration and a distinctive “fishnet” rash, after resting his charging laptop on his bare abdomen for up to eight hours a day, according to a report published in the medical journal BMJ Case Reports and covered by Life Technology. Doctors are using the case to warn that low-grade heat exposure from electronic devices creates risks of skin disfigurement and thermal injury, particularly among children and adolescents.
Child Presents with Abdominal Rash and Suspected Injury
The patient initially arrived at the hospital with an abdominal rash and spontaneous bruising that had lasted for a week, according to BMJ Case Reports. Neither the pre-teen nor his parents could identify an obvious trigger. Medical staff initially suspected a liver injury resulting from minor trauma. However, blood test results and abdominal scans came back normal, and the boy was discharged.
Two weeks later, the patient returned to the hospital because the rash had worsened, becoming more tender with areas of skin peeling. Upon further questioning by medical staff, the boy explained that he was home-schooled and regularly used a laptop for educational tasks. He routinely rested the computer directly on his abdomen for extended periods while it was plugged in and charging.
Diagnosis of Erythema Ab Igne from Laptop Heat
According to BMJ Case Reports, physicians diagnosed the patient with erythema ab igne. The condition is characterized by a mottled, net-like pattern of localized hyperpigmentation and reticulated erythema caused by prolonged exposure to low-grade thermal sources. Life Technology reports that while laptops are convenient and widely used, their impact on skin health is often underestimated when placed in direct contact with bare skin.
Pro Tip: Medical professionals recommend avoiding direct skin contact with laptops. Using a protective barrier such as a lap desk, cushion, or external stand helps dissipate heat and prevent thermal skin injury, according to reporting by Life Technology.
Following the diagnosis, doctors advised the boy to stop resting the electronic device on his body. A follow-up phone consultation with his father several months later confirmed that the condition had gradually improved and the rash had entirely disappeared.
Pediatric Risks and Long-Term Warnings
While erythema ab igne was historically more common in adults using hot water bottles or heated pads, report authors highlighted that the condition is becoming increasingly prevalent in children due to the widespread use of electronic devices during home-schooling. The authors noted in BMJ Case Reports that device heat has emerged as an under-recognized cause of the condition in pediatric populations.
Most cases resolve once the heat source is removed. However, the report authors warn that chronic, long-standing exposure can rarely result in persistent pigmentation or malignant transformation.
Did You Know? The “fishnet” appearance of erythema ab igne is technically known as reticulated erythema, which develops when localized heat damages superficial blood vessels over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is erythema ab igne?
Erythema ab igne is a skin condition featuring a net-like rash and discoloration caused by repeated, prolonged exposure to low-grade heat, such as from laptops or heating pads, according to BMJ Case Reports.
How can you prevent laptop-induced skin rashes?
Life Technology advises avoiding placing laptops directly on bare skin, using a lap desk or cushion as a buffer, and taking regular breaks to let the device and skin cool down.
Does the rash go away?
In most cases, the rash gradually disappears once the heat source is permanently removed, though chronic exposure can lead to lasting pigmentation issues, according to medical journal findings.
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