Toasted Skin Syndrome-A Review

 

Mrs. Purohit Saraswati, Mrs. Vidya M, Mrs. Sunith PS, Mrs. Rashmi P

Assistant Lecturer, J.S.S college of Nursing, Ramanuja Road, Mysuru-570004

 

ABSTRACT:

Toasted skin syndrome is observed on people who work close to extreme heat. It is also called as Erythema ab igne. Prolonged thermal radiation exposure to the skin can lead to the development of reticulated erythema, hyper pigmentation, scaling and telangiectasias in the affected area. Some people may complain it can go unnoticed. Causes are exposure to prolonged heat of high degree, in our modern times the use of laptop on the things has become a common cause. In case the discoloration does not disappear even after reducing exposure to heat sources, it is advisable that to seek the professional help of a dermatologist.

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

The toasted skin syndrome is not new. It was first observed on people who work close to extreme heat, like the furnace of old locomotives, wood ovens, coal stoves or open fires. It could also be observed on people who abuse heated pads or blankets.¹

 

Toasted skin is a common name for a condition called Erythema ab igne, which a highly visible skin disorder is caused by excessive and long term thermal exposure. It usually starts with itchiness and general irritation of one part of the skin and if it’s not treated you will definitely notice some marks which have a high tendency to spread. Some people with mild thermal exposure might get through the condition without ever having most obvious symptoms of toasted skin though.²

 

DEFINITION:

Erythema ab igne (toasted skin syndrome) is a skin condition caused by long-term exposure to heat (infrared radiation). of mild itchiness and a burning sensation, but often, unless a change in pigmentation is seen, Prolonged thermal radiation exposure to the skin can lead to the development of reticulated erythema, hyper pigmentation, scaling and telangiectasias in the affected area. Some people may complain it can go unnoticed.³

 

CAUSES:

·         Primary among the toasted skin syndrome causes is exposure of the affected area to prolonged heat of high degree.

·         Due to the high temperature that the skin is subjected to, the area suffers from restricted blood supply and thus in the long run patches appear.

·         These causes of the heat exposure may be reaped use of hot water bottles or exposure to the hot sun.

·         In our modern times the use of laptop on the things has become a common cause for this problem due to which it is also called laptop thigh.⁴

 

 

SYMPTOMS:

The classical symptoms of toasted skin syndrome are as follows:

Rashes appear on the affected part of the skin. The skin appears pink, red or brown. After a prolonged exposure to heat for several days and months, the skin becomes darkened and discolored. The pattern of discoloration appears as if a net spread on the skin or a sponge like pattern.

 

In toasted skin syndrome, the skin becomes dark and the changes are permanent.

 

In majority of cases, there is no pain or associated itching. However, sometimes patients have described mild itching and burning sensation. It often remains unnoticed by the patient, unless there is associated dark pigmentation. Due to their delicate skin, children and women are more vulnerable.⁵

 

WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR:

Toasted Skin Syndrome has been documented to occur in women on their thighs and legs which occur due to continual exposure of the area to heat while cooking or warming them. The common misconception held then was that it is the age factor that is developing the ugly patches on the skin. If the affected area is quiet large and has left you disturbed, you might want to see a dermatologist. But in most cases when the skin receives respite from the source of heat, the discoloration gradually disappear. In case the discoloration does not disappear even after that, it is advisable that you seek the professional help of a dermatologist.⁶

 

TREATMENT:

Avoid any further exposure of the heat source to the affected area. Use some pure aloe, or Vitamin E, or walnut oil on the areas to help them heal faster and reduce pigmentation change.  Skin should return to its normal condition in a few weeks. If it does not, see a dermatologist.⁷

 

If there is a persistent sore that does not heal or a growing lump within the rash, a skin biopsy should be performed to rule out the possibility of skin cancer. If the erythema ab igne lesions demonstrate pre-cancerous changes, the use of 5-fluorouracil cream has been recommended. Abnormally pigmented skin may persist for years. Treatment with topical tretinoin or laser may improve the appearance.⁸

 

CONCLUSION:

Toasted skin syndrome is observed on people who work close to extreme heat. It is also called as Erythema ab igne in which rashes appear on the affected part of the skin. in most cases when the skin receives respite from the source of heat, the discoloration gradually disappear. In case the discoloration does not disappear even after that, it is advisable that you seek the professional help of a dermatologist.⁶

 

REFERENCE:

1.        http://lifehacker.com/5657721/what-is-toasted-skin-syndrome

2.        https://healthypair.net/toasted-skin-syndrome-and-treatment

3.        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythema_ab_igne

4.        https://healthypair.net/understand-toasted-skin-syndrome-causes-and-treat-it-effectively

5.        http://www.tandurust.com/skincare/toasted-skin-syndrome-remedies.html

6.        https://healthypair.net/understand-toasted-skin-syndrome-causes-and-treat-it-effectively

7.        http://www.healthyanswers.com/skin-health/2012/04/toasted-skin-syndrome-avoid-the-heat/

8.        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythema_ab_igne

 

 

 

Received on 07.02.2017          Modified on 15.02.2017

Accepted on 28.03.2017          © A&V Publications all right reserved