My daughter uses a heating pad daily and now has this deep red fishnet pattern of veins on her stomach. It will not wash off and she is crying. Doctor cannot see her until next week. Please help!

Historically, Erythema Ab Igne was common among people who worked near fires, such as bakers or blacksmiths. With modern technology, it is more often seen in individuals who use heating pads, laptops, or other devices that emit heat. The pattern is a result of mild, repeated thermal injury to the skin, leading to changes in pigmentation.

Heating pads, when used excessively, can lead to skin damage due to prolonged exposure to heat. The skin and underlying blood vessels absorb this heat, causing slight but repeated trauma that eventually alters the skin’s appearance. Blood vessels may dilate and then constrict, causing a mottled appearance and damage over time.

Moreover, repeated heat exposure can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, contributing to the persistent discoloration and texture changes associated with Erythema Ab Igne.