Toasted Skin Syndrome Cases Are on the Rise

When the temperature drops, all of us are inclined to cozy up to something warm. But a recent rise in cases of toasted skin syndrome have experts concerned. They’re speaking out to remind people not to expose themselves to close heat sources for extended periods of time.

What Is Toasted Skin Syndrome?

@itsalexandrasedlak and I keep doing it. #fyp #skin #wtf #iykyk #fireplace #winter #psa #safety #dermatologist #skincare #themoreyouknow #storytime #humor #toastedskinsyndrome ♬ original sound – Alexandra Sedlak

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“Toasted skin syndrome, also known as erythema ab igne (EAI), is a dermatologic condition,” explains Washington D.C. dermatologist Nina Hartman, MD. “It presents as mottled, net-like or reticulate, pink or hyperpigmented patches. It presents after the skin has been exposed to a prolonged heat source such as a laptop, heating pad, space heater or electric blanket.” This red, net-like rash is limited to where the heat source has touched.

One TikToker who developed the condition, Alexandra Sedlak, shared her experience online. “Do you know what happens if you repeatedly sit in front of an electric space heater with your back to it? I would love to show you, but if I did, this video would get taken down. But basically, you will turn into a marshmallow,” she cautioned.

What to Do

Your skin is likely to give you a warning sign when it’s becoming uncomfortable due to the closeness of a heat source. “Sometimes you may experience mild itching or burning in the area before the onset of the rash,” Dr. Hartman explains. “And you need to eliminate the chronic heat source immediately.”

And toasted skin syndrome doesn’t fade immediately. It can take weeks or even months to disappear completely. “After the rash has settled in, the hyperpigmentation fades slowly with time,” Dr. Hartman notes. “There are topical treatments (such as retinoids or bleaching agents) and laser treatments that can expedite the resolution.”