Doctor warns heated blankets causing 'irreversible' medical condition

The hidden dangers of your heated blanket have been revealed as a doctor issues an alarming warning over irreversible ‘redness from fire’ rash. Dr Heather Kornmehl, a Texas-based dermatologist, has warned heated blankets may cause an irreversible rash known as erythema ab igne.

Erythema ab igne is Latin for 'redness from fire' and is also known as toasted skin syndrome. Dr Kornmehl said: "With the cold weather coming our way, we need to be careful about repeatedly applying prolonged heat to our skin."

She added: "When I tell my patients not to leave heated blankets or heating pads on your skin or sit next to heaters for prolonged periods of time repeatedly because this can cause a rash known as erythema ab igne which can lead to permanent pigmentary changes in the skin."

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Erythemaab igne (EAI) is a skin reaction caused bychronicexposure to infrared radiation in the form of heat. It was once a common condition seen in the elderly who stood or sat closely to open fires or electric space heaters. Although the introduction of central heating has reduced EAI of this type, it is still found in individuals exposed to heat from other sources.

DermNet explained: "Limited exposure to heat, insufficient to cause a direct burn, causes a mild and transient red rash resembling lacework or a fishing net. Prolonged and repeated exposure causes a marked redness and colouring of the skin (hyper- or hypo-pigmentation ). The skin and underlying tissue may start to thin (atrophy ) and rarely sores may develop. Some patients may complain of mild itchiness and a burning sensation."

"The source of chronic heat exposure must be avoided. If the area is only mildly affected with slight redness, the condition will resolve by itself over several months. If the condition is severe and the skin pigmented and atrophic, resolution is unlikely," it adds.