[Laptop-thighs--laptop-induced erythema ab igne]

Ugeskr Laeger 172(8):635 (2010) PMID 20184827

A 15-year-old boy presented with a livedo reticulares-like eruption on both thighs, but more pronounced on the left. The history revealed the diagnosis: ''Laptop-thighs'' i.e. laptop-induced erythema ab igne, the result of months of daily use of the laptop while placed on the thighs. Erythema ab igne is traditionally a disease of the elderly, caused by overuse of heat sources on tender backs etc. The recent popularity of laptop computers and other electronics emitting strong heat has made erythema ab igne a problem also in younger generations.