Illinois Winter Warning: Space Heaters Causing Bizarre Skin Condition

When temps drop in Illinois, we're all so quick to crank up the space heaters.

I'm sitting in my office right now with my space heater right up on my legs because it's freezing in my house, and I don't want to turn up the heat.  If the heat is on, our arch enemy isn't too far behind: the Nicor bill.

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Well, cranking up the heat might be a better idea than a space heater after knowing people are developing a skin condition caused by prolonged exposure to low level heat, aka heat that isn't enough to cause burns.

Winter Warning: Space Heaters Causing Bizarre Skin Condition

Toasted Skin Syndrome.  Ever heard of it?

"Toasted skin syndrome, also known as erythema ab igneTrusted Source, is a condition that causes skin discoloration, itching, and burning sensations." [healthline]

If you use a laptop frequently and have it sitting on your lap, use seat heaters in the car, heating pads, heated blankets, or space heaters, all of these can be common causes of Toasted Skin Syndrome.

How do you know if you have Toasted Skin Syndrome?

• Skin discoloration
• net-like rashes
• itching and burning
• thinning of the skin
• skin that becomes scaly

Some people experience burning sensations, skin that appears red or brown, fishnet pattern rashes, or even blisters and spider veins.

If you take away the heat source that's causing these symptoms, your skin problems can resolve on their own.  In rare cases, people can develop skin cancers that are also easily treatable.

Next time you turn on your space heater or have your laptop sitting on your bare lap, think about Toasted Skin Syndrome and protect your skin!