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Erythema e caloreL59.0

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 12.09.2022

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Synonym(s)

Caloric erythema; Erythema ab igne; Fire stains; Livido reticularis e calore; Toasted skin syndrome

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HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.

Bushcake and squirrel 1911

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

A net-like erythema at the site of contact caused by heat or infrared radiation (see infrared radiation below), which usually occurs during prolonged (usually habitually overheated), regularly or irregularly repeated heat stimuli. The repeated application of heat (e.g., electric kettles, seat and car heaters, but also laptops or cell phones) initially leads to the red-colored reticular livedo pattern, later to an increasing hyperpigmentation in the given livedo pattern (see hyperpigmentation, caloric also called Buschke's heat melanosis ).

EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.

The precise cause is unclear. It is assumed to be a paralysis of the deep vascular plexus (located at the corium-subcutaneous border).

LocalizationThis section has been translated automatically.

Different, depending on the application of the temperature source (heating pads, heating belts, hot-water bottles, open fire, seat heating in cars, infrared lamps)

Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.

Net-like erythema detectable at the heat contact points (no increase in consistency on palpation), each of which forms self-contained circular formations. In the case of long-term damage, brown discolouration increasingly mixes with the red colour. As a late stage only reticulated hyperpigmentations are found.

HistologyThis section has been translated automatically.

Dilated capillaries and deposits of melanotic or hemosiderotic pigments are found under largely normal or slightly to markedly atrophic surface epithelium. Little or completely absent inflammatory symptoms.

Differential diagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.

hyperpigmentation, caloric

Complication(s)This section has been translated automatically.

As long-term complications (after 30 years) squamous cell carcinomas and also Merkel cell carcinomas have been described. A higher incidence of carcinoma is found by repeated heat applications using carbon fuel elements, which are in direct contact with the skin as heat sources. Known were the Tibetian or Indian "Kangri ulcer", the Japanese "Cairo cancer" and the Chinese "Kang carcinoma" - Kang = Chinese oven bed).

TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.

Avoidance of the damaging temperature influences; otherwise harmless; no therapy necessary

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

The overheating caused by regular heat applications is below the pain threshold (<45C°) and does not lead to real burns. The reticular erythema develops after months or even years. Later reticular pigmentation may occur (see below hyperpigmentation, caloric).

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Beneke J et al (2014) Erythema ab igne in a patient with bulimia nervosa. Nude Dermatol 40:347-349
  2. Bücker H (1961) On the erythema effect of optical radiation. UV erythema, heat erythema. Radiotherapy 115: 136-143

Authors

Last updated on: 12.09.2022

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer