Localized Reticulate Hyperpigmentation from Heater use: A case of Erythema Ab Igne

Authors

Chitwan Kaur Ghuman, JSS Academy of Higher Education and ResearchFollow
Monish Yarlagadda, JSS Academy of Higher Education & ResearchFollow
Ashwini P K, JSS Academy of Higher Education and ResearchFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9617-2911

Corresponding Author

Ashwini PK

ashwinipk@jssuni.edu.in

Abstract

Background: Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a reticulated, hyperpigmented dermatosis resulting from prolonged exposure to infrared radiation insufficient to cause burns. While increasingly rare due to central heating, it remains relevant in vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and immobilized.

Case Summary: We report the case of an 83-year-old bedbound female who developed characteristic pigmentary changes over her right upper and lower limbs due to chronic proximity to a room heater.

Conclusion: Awareness of EAI is crucial to prevent unnecessary investigations and to emphasize the importance of appropriate thermal environment modifications, especially in bedbound geriatric patients.

Publication Date

2025

Publisher

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research

Conflict of Interest

none

Keywords

Erythema ab igne, Toasted skin syndrome, Reticulate Hyperpigmentation, Infrared radiation, Geriatrics, Bedbound

Word Count

713

Comments

none

Recommended Citation

Ghuman CK, Yarlagadda M, P K A. Localized Reticulate Hyperpigmentation from Heater use: A case of Erythema Ab Igne. Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025; 7(4): -. doi: https://doi.org/10.55691/2582-3868.1293

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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