TikTokers are warning about the dangers of ‘toasted skin syndrome’ – here’s what it is, and the warning signs to look out for

If you’re eternally chilly, suffer from IBS, are prone to painful period cramps or endometriosis or simply like the comfort of a hot water bottle on your stomach, you could be putting yourself at risk of toasted skin syndrome. The same can be said if you continuously work with your laptop resting on you as it’s the constant source of heat ‘toasting’ your skin that causes the mottled effect on your midriff.

Plastered across TikTok, we asked the experts to tell us more about the skin condition and if the damage can be undone.

What is toasted skin syndrome?

Toasted skin syndrome is the more common name given to a medical condition known as ‘erythema ab igne’. Literally meaning “redness from fire” in Latin, toasted skin syndrome leaves a blotchy, criss-cross type rash that is usually brown or red in colour. The rash may have a burning sensation or be itchy but it isn’t raised.

What causes toasted skin syndrome?

Toasted skin syndrome in often the result of repeated exposure to moderate heat, such as from your hot water bottle on your stomach, standing too close to a portable heater or working for hours on end with your laptop resting on you.

It’s important to note that this isn’t classified as a burn as the heat sources are not hot enough to cause the skin to burn. Rather, toasted skin syndrome is a hyper-pigmented rash caused by low-level heat exposure.

On social media, it’s clear that a lot of women who experience toasted skin syndrome are also those who suffer with conditions such as IBS and endometriosis, due to regular heat exposure from hot water bottles to help manage painful symptoms.

How do I know if I have it?

It’s best diagnosed by a skin expert or a professional but initially it’s a transient red rash with a net-like pattern. “Later this can become a deeper red and pigmentation can increase. More severe cases will show a thinning of the skin and can even develop sores,” says Dr Dev Patel, advanced aesthetic practitioner.

Is toasted skin syndrome serious?

Erythema ab igne is largely a cosmetic concern but it can led to more severe skin damage as the skin cells can undergo premalignant and malignant changes. “It should be taken seriously and managed appropriately to avoid serious issues like squamour cell carcinoma (a form of skin cancer),” continues Dr Dev.

How can I treat toasted skin syndrome?

In terms of preventing toasted skin, dermatologist Dr Zainab Laftah says: “Erythema ab igne is commonly seen with sustained direct skin contact to heated blankets, hot water bottles, heaters and laptops, so avoiding direct contact prevents these skin changes developing.”

A similar approach applies to treating mild flare-ups. “These skin changes are reversible during the initial stage and the mild redness will fade over months if the skin is not exposed to continued heat,” says Dr Laftah. “During acute flares, a mild topical steroid may help reduce the inflammation. It is important to also optimise the skin barrier with a regular application of moisturiser.”

Dr Laftah recommends the The La Roche Posay Toleriane range, which is enriched with glycerin and thermal spring water, and is formulated to help soothe irritated skin while Dr Dev’s go-to combination for at-home topicals is “CellDerma GF5 (regenerative growth factor serum) and Retin-ACE (a fourth generation retinoid with 99% tolerance amongst users).”