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What Causes Red Rash On Leg Caused By Long-term Exposure To Heat?

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Posted on Tue, 7 Jul 2015
Question: I had a itchy spot at the bottom of my leg in the front that after scratching enough turned into a bruise. that was about 2 or 2 1/2 mos ago and now it is bright red only and flat and does not itch and does not disappear when I press down on it. I noticed yesterday that I have veiny looking redness (not as dark on the other leg at the ankle on the right front. I would love to add pics if possible to get an opinion. I'm 49 and sit in front of a heater at my feet all day because I'm cold.
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Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
erythema ab igne is most likely possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome to Healthcaremagic.com.
I have read your query.
I understand your concern.
I have seen the attached photographs also.
As per details, it seems that you are having a condition called Erythema ab igne.
It is characterised by red colored/ bruised rash on skin exposed to the heater for longtime continuously. The location of rashddepends on the direction of body parts in relation to the heater

Most of the times, it is bilateral on both legs as in your case because mostly people sit with legs facing heater.
Similar rash may occur because of long contact with laptop, angithi.

In such cases, I prefer to advise topical steroid like mometasone to my patients.
Keep changing the position of legs to avoid the further rash.
Antihistaminics like levocetrizine also help.
Keep the skin properly moisturised.
Visit your doctor so that he can examine you and give you prescription accordingly.
You can share my opinion with him. I
hope it helps.
Stay healthy.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Charu Bansal

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 773 Questions

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What Causes Red Rash On Leg Caused By Long-term Exposure To Heat?

Brief Answer: erythema ab igne is most likely possibility Detailed Answer: Hello. Welcome to Healthcaremagic.com. I have read your query. I understand your concern. I have seen the attached photographs also. As per details, it seems that you are having a condition called Erythema ab igne. It is characterised by red colored/ bruised rash on skin exposed to the heater for longtime continuously. The location of rashddepends on the direction of body parts in relation to the heater Most of the times, it is bilateral on both legs as in your case because mostly people sit with legs facing heater. Similar rash may occur because of long contact with laptop, angithi. In such cases, I prefer to advise topical steroid like mometasone to my patients. Keep changing the position of legs to avoid the further rash. Antihistaminics like levocetrizine also help. Keep the skin properly moisturised. Visit your doctor so that he can examine you and give you prescription accordingly. You can share my opinion with him. I hope it helps. Stay healthy.