Erythema Ab Igne: Toasted Skin Syndrome as a Cutaneous Marker of Chronic Pain
Recommended Citation
Mahmood N, Pinheiro Alves A, and Melgar TA. Erythema Ab Igne: Toasted Skin Syndrome as a Cutaneous Marker of Chronic Pain. Cureus 2025;17(6):e86243.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2025
Publication Title
Cureus
Abstract
Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a rare skin reaction caused by prolonged exposure to low-level heat, resulting in a reticular pattern of localized erythema and hyperpigmentation. This condition carries a potential risk of transformation into cutaneous malignancy. We present the case of a 38-year-old woman who developed a reticular-patterned rash on her abdomen. She had been using hot water bags to alleviate severe abdominal pain associated with chronic cholecystitis, which led to the development of hyperpigmented, mottled, erythematous skin changes across her entire abdomen. After discontinuing heat application, her hyperpigmentation significantly decreased, although the skin changes persisted years later.
PubMed ID
40688945
Volume
17
Issue
6
First Page
86243
Last Page
86243
