What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Laptop Computer-Induced Erythema Ab Igne
• Laptop-Induced EAI
• Laptop Thigh

What is Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne? (Definition/Background Information)

• Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a skin reaction that occurs on regular exposure of the skin to heat (infrared) radiation for prolonged durations. This may take place while working in certain industries leading to heat exposure, sitting near fireplaces, or even sitting continuously on vehicular seats
• Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne is a form of erythema ab igne that develops from prolonged laptop use; the skin is damaged due to direct contact with the hot underside of the laptop and/or from exposure to hot air that is generated during laptop computer operation
• In this condition, a reddish discoloration with mesh-like irregular skin pattern may be noted on the inner thighs. Stopping further heat exposure from laptop computers may prevent aggravation of the condition. Additionally, topical creams and gels may be used in treating the symptoms
• The prognosis is typically good with appropriate treatment. Even though malignant cases of Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne are not currently reported, longstanding erythema ab igne cases have been occasionally associated with skin cancers

Who gets Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne may occur at any age, including in young children, teens, and adults (many cases are reported between 15 and 60 years)
• Both males and females may be affected
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic background can be affected. The incidence of skin injury from heated electronic devices have been increasing steadily worldwide

What are the Risk Factors for Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne include the following:

• Working on laptops or other portable computer devices continuously while keeping them placed on one’s lap (thighs)
• Placing computer devices directly on the bare skin of the thigh
• Playing computer games are known to generate more heat than while using laptops for doing basic office/school work
• Using faulty overheated laptops, occurring from clogged exhaust fans, or those in which free flow of air is blocked due to dust accumulation
• Using old laptop computer models that generate more heat than the recent upgraded ones

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne? (Etiology)

Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne occurs from reaction of skin to the constant heat radiation (infrared component) from the laptop, resulting in inflammation and increased blood supply to the affected region.

• A laptop generates heat from several of its components. The heat from a laptop may range between 80 to 130 deg C and around 50 W of power
• The main heat source components of a laptop are the central processing unit (CPU) and/or graphic processing unit (GPU)
• Other heat generation source includes the battery unit, motor, power supply circuitry, RAM, and motherboard chipset

The prolonged effects of heat on skin due to direct skin contact with the hot laptop underside or exposure to hot air dissipated from laptop operation can result in Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne?

The signs and symptoms of Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne include:

• Presence of red skin macular lesions with a lace-like network pattern (reticulated)
• Pigment changes that in the form of decreased (hypopigmentation) or increased (hyperpigmentation) skin discoloration
• Irritation and burning sensation
• Sometimes, the lesions may itch
• Atrophy of skin (skin breaks and bleeds)
• Formation of ulcers
• Typically, only the area of heat exposure is affected. In a majority, the involvement of both the thighs with asymmetric skin lesions are noted

How is Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne may involve the following:

• A thorough medical history assessment and complete physical examination; a history of long duration laptop use with heat exposure may be established
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne?

In some individuals, the following complications from Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne may be noted:

• Cosmetic issues
• Emotional stress
• Secondary bacterial and fungal infection
• Increased risk for malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) at the site of exposure is noted in erythema ab igne

How is Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne Treated?

The treatment measures adopted for Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne may include:

• Complete avoidance of exposure to laptop heat by not placing such devices on one’s lap while using them
• Use of topical retinoid creams
• Use of skin bleaching agents, such as hydroquinone, if necessary for pigmented patches
• Administration of antifungal or antibiotic medication, if necessary

Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged.

How can Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne be Prevented?

The preventive measures for Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne may include:

• Avoiding long-term direct exposure to heat by not placing laptops on one’s thighs; instead, using a suitable desk
• Avoiding placing the computer devices on beds, cushions, or sofas, while using them, to prevent them from overheating
• Read laptop use/instruction manual to ensure that laptops and portable computers are maintained well and optimized for use. This would provide information on how to clean laptops of dust, help ensure how the fans work well, prevent overheating situations, etc.
• Avoid using laptops in hot environments such as under direct sunlight or near hot machines

What is the Prognosis of Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne is typically good with timely intervention, through the avoidance of further exposure to heat from laptop computer devices and symptomatic treatments.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Laptop-Induced Erythema Ab Igne:

• Do not pick or pop the blisters, for doing so can affect the healing process and may result in secondary infections

Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition