Prolonged electronics use exposes children to ‘toasted skin syndrome’

Doctors are reporting a rise in “toasted skin syndrome” among children who overuse electronic devices, according to The Telegraph. The condition, medically known as erythema ab igne (EAI), is a rash caused by prolonged exposure to low-level heat, typically seen in adults using hot water bottles or heating pads.

Dr Mara Znagoveanu of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust detailed a case involving a boy who rested his laptop on his stomach for up to eight hours daily while home-schooling, developing bruising and peeling skin. Blood tests initially returned normal results, delaying diagnosis.

Dr Znagoveanu warned that EAI is under-recognised in children and may lead to unnecessary investigations. The condition is usually reversible once the heat source is removed, though persistent hyperpigmentation can occur in some cases.