As the January chill sets in, many people are turning to alternative heating methods like space heaters, heated blankets, and hot water bottles to keep cosy without cranking up the central heating. While these items can be a godsend for staying warm, they also come with health risks if they’re used in the wrong way.
A TikTok user has recently raised awareness about the potential dangers of using such appliances incorrectly. Alexandra Sedlak, who has 210.5k followers on TikTok shared her experience of “sitting too close” to a space heater for prolonged periods, which resulted in damage to her skin.
Although she chose not to display the affected area in her viral video due to concerns over content guidelines, she did discuss a condition known as ‘toasted skin syndrome’.
In her words: “Do you know what happens if you repeatedly sit in front of an electric space heater with your back to it? I would love to show you, but if I did, this video would get taken down. But basically, you will turn into a marshmallow.”
“I’m not exaggerating, because do you want to know what the condition is called? It’s a real thing; Google it; it’s called toasted skin syndrome. If you repeatedly expose your skin to an electric space heater or something of the sort, you will look like a toasted marshmallow, and there’s nothing really you can do about it”, she went on.
Toasted skin syndrome, which doctors refer to as erythema ab igne (EAI), is the result of prolonged exposure to heat sources like portable heaters, heated blankets, or even excessive laptop use, leading to symptoms such as skin discolouration, itching, and at times, a burning sensation.
In another viral video, Dr Mark Strom, who goes by @dermarkologist on TikTok and has 1.1m followers, broke down just how toasted skin syndrome happens: “Even heat exposure that’s not causing any pain at the time or burning, because long term heat exposure can lead to a permanent rash and discolouration”.
Scientists have not pieced together all aspects of the syndrome, but it seems to impact the skin’s elastic fibres and surface blood vessels. According to Healthline, although toasted skin syndrome usually poses no major health threats, the Primary Care Dermatology Society has flagged potential skin cancer risks associated with long-term changes in the skin due to EAI.
A statement on the PCDS website reads: “There appears to be a small long-term risk of squamous cell carcinoma or Merkel cell carcinoma developing in areas of EAI – the latent period may be 30 years or more. As such, enlarging skin lesions or persisting areas of ulceration within an area of EAI should be referred urgently.”
While there is no definitive cure for toasted skin syndrome, distancing oneself from the heat source has proven to be the best course of action. The skin’s dislocations are known to retreat over time, and certain creams or ointments might help soothe any burning or irritation.
Those who watched Alexandra’s video were shocked to discover the syndrome, with many people saying they would change how they use heating to keep their skin healthy. One commenter said: “I just moved away from my space heater so fast”.
Another added: “You actually helped me realise I got this from my heating pad”.