Toasted Skin Syndrome, What is it, Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Toasted Skin syndrome is also referred to as Erythema Ab Igne which in Latin means ‘Redness from Fire; It is caused by excessive heat close to the skin. Toasted skin syndrome is not a burn. It is the stage just before a skin burn. A dermatologist (doctor specialising in skin conditions) will be able to diagnose it with its unique net like pattern. The area of the skin affected by this syndrome will also have a reddish brown discolouration. This problem is common in winters and usually by sitting close to a heat source or using heating pads frequently.
This skin condition needs to be looked at by a dermatologist or a doctor who is a skin specialist as this could also be a symptom of a benign form of cancer tumor. Further there are diseases that can look like toasted skin syndrome to a person, who is not a doctor specialising in skin conditions.
Causes Of Toasted Skin Syndrome
Toasted skin Syndrome is caused primarily due to being close to heat sources. These heat sources can be
- Electric blankets or heating pads
- Heat from the laptop placed on the lap
- Heated car seats
- Fireplaces or space heaters
Symptoms Of Toasted Skin Syndrome
The Symptoms of toasted skin Syndrome are as follows:
- Presence of a red or pink rash that becomes hyperpigmented over time.
- A net or a lace or a lace like pattern on the skin
- An itching or a mild burning sensation
In long term cases in which the skin is thin, there is a risk of the person developing skin cancer.
Toasted Skin Syndrome Versus Other Similar
The main characteristic is that it is the condition that comes just before a skin burn. Here are a few comparisons of toasted skin syndrome with other similar diseases.
Toasted Skin Syndrome vs. Heat Rash (Miliria)
Toasted Skin Syndrome is a result due to repeated health exposure and there is persistent net like hyperpigmentation or reticulated hyperpigmentation. A heat rash is caused by blocked sweat ducts, leading to red itchy bumps. A heat rash usually occurs when a person spends a lot of time in hot and Humid environments.
| Toasted Skin Syndrome | Heat Rash | |
| Symptoms | Net-like hyperpigmentation | Itchy red bumps |
| Cause | Excessive heat close to the skin | Blocked sweat ducts in the skin |
Toasted Skin Syndrome vs. Contact Dermatitis
Toasted skin Syndrome develops gradually and is caused due to excessive heat on the skin. Contact Dermatitis is an allergic reaction.
| Toasted Skin Syndrome | Contact Dermatitis | |
| Symptoms | Net-like hyperpigmentation | Itchy, redness and the presence of blisters at times |
| Cause | Excessive heat close to the skin | An allergic reaction to a substance |
Toasted Skin Syndrome vs. Livedo Reticularis
Toasted skin syndrome and livedo reticularis have similar symptoms but are caused by two different things. While toasted skin syndrome is due to excessive heat, Livedo Reticularis is doe to blood vessel abnormalities or the presence of an autoimmune disease.
| Toasted Skin Syndrome | Livedo Reticularis | |
| Symptoms | Net-like hyperpigmentation | Net-like hyperpigmentation |
| Cause | Excessive heat close to the skin | Blood vessel Abnormalities, cold exposure or an autoimmune disease |
Toasted Skin Syndrome vs. Malesma
Toasted skin syndrome can occur anywhere on the body while Melasma mostly occurs on the face and are symmetrical brown patches on the skin.
| Toasted Skin Syndrome | Melasma | |
| Symptoms | Net-like hyperpigmentation | Symmetrical brown patches on the skin |
| Cause | Excessive heat close to the skin | Hormonal changes and sun exposure |
Toasted Skin Syndrome vs. Hyperpigmentation From Burns
Toasted skin syndrome occurs due to excessive heat and is the stage just before skin burn and results in net-like hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation from burns is darker and there is scarring, possibly blistering as well.
| Toasted Skin Syndrome | Hyperpigmentation from burns | |
| Symptoms | Net-like hyperpigmentation | Darker or scarred skin with possible blistering |
| Cause | Excessive heat close to the skin | Skin burn |
Toasted Skin Syndrome Treatment and Prevention
There are a few things that can be done to avoid toasted skin syndrome. Avoid heat exposure to the skin. Calamine lotion and aloe vera can help reduce the inflammation in mild cases. Consult your doctor, especially if the pigmentation stays for a long time and does not seem to resolve on its own. Monitor your skin regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can toasted skin syndrome go away?
Ans. Yes, toasted skin syndrome can go away on its own. It goes away once the heat source causing it is removed. Early detection helps with early recovery from toasted skin syndrome. Please note that severe cases of toasted skin syndrome may need a doctor’s intervention to help with the recovery.
Q2. How to treat toasted skin syndrome at home?
Ans. Yes, it can be treated by removing the heat source and applying soothing creams on the skin such as calamine lotion and aloe vera.
Q3. Is toasted skin syndrome permanent?
Ans. No, this condition is not permanent.
Q4. Can toasted skin syndrome be dangerous?
Ans. Yes, it can be dangerous if it persists for a long period of time.
Read More About
