If you’re reading this on your laptop, and it’s on your lap, stop. Put your laptop on a desk (or another flat surface), get comfortable, then continue reading. Laptop off your lap? Good. Let’s begin.
What causes it?
Toasted skin syndrome, as the name suggests, is discoloration of skin that has been exposed to heat for prolonged periods. Technically called erythema ab igne (which means redness from fire), this condition is also known as hot water bottle rash, fire stains, and laptop thigh, among others.
As the multiple names suggest, the condition can be caused by several heat sources. Anything that gives off mild to moderate heat, somewhere between 109.4°F to 116.6°F (43°C to 47°C), can cause this rash.
I don’t touch things that are that hot, do I?
One of the culprits could be your laptop, which can heat up to 111°F (44°C), or even higher if you end up blocking the exhaust fan. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), the rash usually affects only one leg (usually the left).
If you suffer from chronic pain and often reach for hot water bottles and heating pads, you’re at risk too. Your hot compress can bring very welcome pain relief, but keep it on too long and it could also give you unwanted skin discoloration.
You might want to check other heat sources at home and in the car too. Heated seats, electric heaters, and even your fireplace could be cause for concern.
Sometimes, it’s just an occupational hazard. Bakers and chefs might have toasted skin on their arms, silversmiths and jewellers might get a rash on their faces, and others might have discoloration elsewhere.
Basically, if you’re exposed to heat for extended periods, you should be careful.
How will I know if I have erythema ab igne?
For some people, the first clue is mild itchiness and a burning sensation. However, most people would probably ignore this. The first cause for concern is usually a mild red rash that can be described as mottled, blotchy, or sponge-patterned.
My skin is toasted. Should I be worried?
Toasted skin syndrome is generally harmless, and if you only see slight redness, it should resolve itself in a few months. In some cases, the discoloration may be too severe, making resolution unlikely, and the skin darkening likely permanent.
In very rare cases, enough damage has been done to cause skin cancers. There are no known skin cancer cases linked to laptop use, but it might still be a good idea to keep that laptop off your lap, or at least use a heat shield under it.
What can I do about my toasted skin?
The most important thing is to stop, or at least minimize your exposure to the source of heat. If it’s your laptop, use a heat shield, or better yet, get it off your lap completely. If it’s your hot compress or a heated seat, time your sessions. Put the heat on for 10 minutes at most, and give your skin time to cool down. If it’s part of your job, well… all we can recommend is that you pamper your skin when you can.
One way to do this is by washing with Diana Stalder Vitamin A Beauty Bar. As we mentioned in a previous post 5 Skin Care Facts You Need to Know, “vitamin A does wonders to repair damaged skin.” Who knows? Maybe, with the right skin care regimen, you can undo the damage and un-toast your skin.
Posted by pgesmundo 
I was a little surprised to see that the place settings included only a fork and knife. As any Filipino will tell you, the most important tool at the table is the spoon! So if you really want to demonstrate your ability to eat like a Filipino, ask for a “kutsara” (just like “cuchara” for you Spanish speakers), put it in your right hand, and use the fork in your left hand. With a little practice, the spoon can be used just like a knife. Trust me on this one.
