Erythema ab igne in the palmar area induced by smart phone: Case report

Abstract

Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a reticular, telangiectatic, pigmented dermatosis resulting from chronic exposure to heat that is insufficient to cause a burn. Clinically, EAI is diagnosed based on the distinctive cutaneous changes and overlapping distribution with thermal source exposure. The type of heat source causing EAI has historically shown a parallel change to technological progress. Historically EAI was commonly seen on the individuals working in front of coal stoves or sitting close to a fireplace whereas repeated application of heating pads, electrical blankets were common in recent past. Since the beginning of 21th century, reports of laptop induced EAI have increased. Nowadays, smart-phones take the place of laptop computers and are widely used. To the best of our literature search, there is no report of EAI induced by smart phones. Here, we report a case of EAI in the left palmar area of a 21 years old female patient for the first time. We suggest that the extended use of smart-phones might be considered as an unpredicted cause of EAI.