key: cord-0948326-clr46pqe
authors: Duan, Grace Y.; Stein, Sarah L.
title: Erythema ab igne in pediatric patients remote schooling during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A case series
date: 2021-08-31
journal: Pediatr Dermatol
DOI: 10.1111/pde.14791
sha: c808d55f21b5c7188f12dc5f3364c1e2b7dfa0f7
doc_id: 948326
cord_uid: clr46pqe

Erythema ab igne is an uncommon dermatosis characterized by erythematous or hyperpigmented reticular patches that appear after prolonged localized heat exposure. We present three cases of erythema ab igne in pediatric patients who presented in March and April of 2021 and share a history of space heater usage while engaging in remote schooling during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a dermatosis caused by prolonged localized exposure to a heat source. 1 The rash is characterized by reticulated, erythematous, and subsequently hyperpigmented patches on the heat-exposed area. 2 Most cases are asymptomatic and gradually self-resolve following cessation of the heat exposure, but some may become chronic or rarely progress to cutaneous malignancy. 3 The prevalence of EAI declined with a widespread availability of central heating. More recent reports have been linked to the use of heating pads, laptop computers, and space heaters. 1, 4 In this report, we describe three pediatric patients who were diagnosed with EAI during a cold winter in the Midwestern United States while engaging in remote learning necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Though EAI is uncommon, we identified three cases in a period of less than one month. All three patients had a history of space heater use while remote schooling from home during the winter months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The affected skin locations were consistent with the positioning of the heaters.

Livedo reticularis and livedo racemosa may have similar presentations. Unlike EAI, livedo reticularis occurs transiently with cold exposure rather than chronically with heat exposure, and livedo racemosa is associated with underlying systemic disorders. 5 Physicians should be aware of EAI and ask about a history of heat exposure to reduce unnecessary laboratory testing and medications.

The required transition to schooling and working from home during the pandemic has had numerous unintended consequences including an apparent increased incidence of EAI. 2, 5 Medical personnel should be alert to changes in routines that may contribute to behaviors that result in conditions such as EAI.

connective tissue disorders, dyspigmentation, infection-viral, inflammatory disorders

Both authors made substantial contributions to the conception, design, literature search, drafting, and critical revision of the article.

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study. 

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