Laptop on Lap for Hours? Doctors Warn of 'Toasted Skin Syndrome'
Doctors in Australia and around the world are reminding laptop users of an unusual health risk after a teenage boy developed a bizarre, lace-like rash on his abdomen from resting his computer on his body for hours each day. The case, published in BMJ Case Reports, highlights a condition known as erythema ab igne, or 'toasted skin syndrome', which is caused by prolonged exposure to low-grade heat.
The condition is not new, but medical experts say it could become more common as remote work and digital learning keep people glued to their devices. For the boy in the report, the diagnosis took weeks because neither he nor his doctors initially suspected the everyday device.
What is erythema ab igne?
Erythema ab igne is a skin condition that develops after repeated exposure to heat that is not hot enough to cause a burn. Common sources include hot water bottles, heating pads, heaters, and fireplaces. The heat damages the skin's superficial layers, leaving a distinctive reddish-brown, reticulated pattern that looks like a net or lace.
Because the heat is below the threshold for pain, people often do not realise they are injuring themselves until the marks appear. In the boy's case, the lesion measured about 15 centimetres across and was located on the right upper quadrant of his abdomen.
How did a laptop cause the boy's rash?
The boy first visited the emergency department after noticing the marks, which had been present for about a week. They were not itchy or tender, and he had no history of trauma or illness. Initial tests, including an X-ray and CT imaging, came back clear. Doctors briefly suspected a liver injury after the boy mentioned being pushed into a chair during play-fighting with his brother, but imaging ruled that out.
He was discharged without a diagnosis. Several weeks later, the rash had worsened and become painful to touch. On further questioning, the cause became clear: the boy was home-schooled and used a laptop for up to eight hours a day, often resting it directly on his abdomen while charging.
Once the heat source was identified, the boy was advised to keep the laptop off his skin. Over time, the rash gradually faded and eventually disappeared completely.
Why is this a growing concern?
While laptop-related cases of toasted skin syndrome are still relatively rare, researchers warn that the number could rise. The increasing use of portable devices among children and adolescents, combined with the shift to remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic, means more people are using laptops on couches, beds, and other soft surfaces where the device sits against the body.
Most cases linked to laptops appear on the thighs, where users typically rest the device. The boy's case is notable because the rash was on his abdomen, a less common location.
Can toasted skin syndrome cause serious health problems?
In most cases, the condition clears up once the heat source is removed. However, chronic or repeated exposure can lead to more serious complications. Emerging evidence suggests a link between long-term erythema ab igne and the development of certain skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma.
Doctors advise anyone who notices a persistent, lace-like rash to consider whether they are regularly exposing their skin to heat, including from laptops, heating pads, or other devices. If the pattern matches, removing the heat source and consulting a healthcare professional is the recommended course of action.
What should laptop users do?
Simple precautions can prevent the condition. Use a lap desk, a cushion, or a table to keep the laptop off direct skin contact. Avoid using devices on soft surfaces where heat can build up, and take regular breaks to allow the skin to cool.
The case serves as a practical reminder that even everyday habits can have unintended health effects. As one doctor put it, perhaps we really should stop calling them laptops.
The findings are reported in BMJ Case Reports.