The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Heating Pad
There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a heating pad to soothe sore muscles and ease discomfort. But what if this common household item posed a hidden danger?
Late last year, TikTok user Faith Harrell’s (@faith_harrell) post sent shockwaves through the internet. She showed off the skin on her stomach, recalling that she’d overused her heating pad. It was disfigured – a dark, irregular pattern marred her skin.
She penned: “Your friendly reminder to not excessively use your heating pad on your stomach at the highest setting.” Her post racked up 3.9 million views, flooded with concerned comments. Some chimed in with their own horror stories of “toasted skin syndrome.” MAX
Dr. Mark Strom (@dermarkologist)
felt compelled to narrow downific
untold.
‘ anonymously.
He explained how excessive heat exposure, even without initial pain or burning, can lead to
permanent skin discoloration.
is Latin for “redness from fire.” TikTok / @dermarkologist
“I had toasted skin syndrome on my legs all through high school because I was ADDICTED to my heating pad,” confessed one commenter.
This condition, scientifically known as erythema ab igne, or EAI, manifests as a ”
“This condition is also known as ‘artoasted skin syndrome’ or ‘fire stains’.” Strom: “You actually need to be very careful about chronic heat exposure. Even heat exposure that’s not causing any pain or burning can lead to a permanent rash and discoloration.
Strom govertices awoke alarm bells when
“You need to stop the
It’s caused by chronic heat exposure to the skin,” Strom explained.
,
also known as
or
‘fire stains’. “It causes
net-like patterns
”
. The rash tends to go away on its own. In rare cases, it could cause scarring and raise
cancer.”
”
Middle
-aged women, especially those who
are
disproportionately affected by EAI. Managing EAI often involves avoiding the heat source.
EAI usually resolves on its own. In rare cases, it could cause scarring and raise the risk
,”
”
Treatment usually
”
That said, be cautious! Use a lap desk to maintain safe distance from heat
authority
Darrell’s experience demonstrates a crucial
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can.
shows off “You
to not excessively use your heating
ON
Though typically benign,
,”,”
retains the skin from heat exposurejiggle?”
They prevalAmong
““Your friendly
at the highest setting,”
Her post racked up
million views.
Some chimed in
“I
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