Erythema Ab Igne in an Adolescent With Chronic Pain: An Alarming Cutaneous Eruption From Heat Exposure.

ABSTRACT

Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a cutaneous finding caused by prolonged heat exposure and is characterized by a reticular, brownish-pigmented, often telangiectatic dermatosis. The eruption is reminiscent of livedo reticularis, which is typically seen in the setting of a number of rheumatologic conditions, most prominently vasculitis. Identification of key features distinguishing EAI from livedo reticularis can aid in the diagnosis of EAI and correct elucidation of the underlying etiology. Our patient presented with heating pad-induced EAI in the setting of chronic pain. Only 6 other pediatric cases of EAI associated with heat sources for chronic pain are reported (Acta Derm Venereol. 2014;94365-367, J Pediatr. 2013;1631789, Int J Eat Disord. 2013;46381-383, Arch Dis Child. 2008;93389, Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012;166185-186, Br J Clin Pract. 1990;44248-251). Our case highlights the need for awareness of this pathognomonic skin eruption in children with chronic pain conditions to help avoid an extensive workup for vasculitis.