A 36-year-old healthy female presented with painless pigmented reticular rash on lower part of the back that she noticed 3 days ago. Clinical examination showed diffuse hiperpigmentated, painless erythema configured in a net-like pattern with no signs of infection, cellulitis or fluctuation (Fig. 1). Further history taking revealed that the patient had the habit of standing with turned back in the front of pellet stove which helped to relieve chronic back pain that she suffered of. Based on these findings and history a diagnosis of erythema ab igne was established and the patient was reassured to avoid prolonged with sources of heat. After 1 week, erythema completely regressed and at follow up of 1 year, the appearance of the skin was unremarkable. Erythema ab igne is characterized by a reticulated erythema, hyperpigmentation and epidermal atrophy as a result of prolonged or repeated exposure to heat. Due to typical dermatological features and patient’s history, erythema ab igne is primarily a clinical diagnosis and the most important step of the treatment is immediate removal of the source of heat or infrared radiation while topical treatment with retinoids or steroidal cream is reserved for more advanced cases.

Figure 1

(0.09MB).