(Reuters) – the heaters in cars can relieve the cold of winter, but dermatologists warn that prolonged exposure to this mechanism in the seat can cause a condition called “toasted skin syndrome“.

Two reports in Archives of Dermatology described the appearance of rashes on the legs by pushing for extended periods of time on seats with heating systems.

Toasted skin syndrome may be ugly, but it is not serious.

Brian Adams, dermatologist of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Cincinnati, in Ohio, told Reuters Health that it is necessary to “avoid a prolonged and close juxtaposition of the lower part of the legs in the hottest part of the seats”.

Toasted skin syndrome, known as Erythema ab igne (EAI), is caused by exposure to heat, although it does not become a burn.

There have been some cases of people burned due to problems with the seat heaters, but this was not the case of the patients evaluated in the reports.

In one analyzed by Adams, a 67-year-old woman developed some red lines twisted at the back of her legs, which he described as “reticulate specks”.

Adams determined that the pattern of marks coincided with the parts of his leg which made contact with the seat. The images showed that his left leg, which was remaining fixed on the upholstery, had more discolouration than the right, used to treading the pedals.

Throughout the winter, women caught his seat heater during 130 travel 45 minutes each and other 10 two-hour trips.

“Sometimes people not make the connection between the rash and exposure, but at base to pattern one can decipher is probably heat,” said Jennifer Stein, Professor of Dermatology of the Langone of the University of New York Medical Center, who did not participate in the studies.

In another case, a woman aged 40 who drove an hour per day for four months with similar seating, also went to the doctor with marches in their thighs.

Treatment is simple: avoid contact with the heat source. Over time the roasted skin disappears, but bleaching can last for several months.

Is a problem caused by the roasted skin, given that it can mimic other conditions, the syndrome can lead to unnecessary test if not diagnosed properly.

Stein said that the condition is also interesting because it reflects changes in technology over time. In fact, before the people suffered rashes by sitting too close to the fire.

In recent years, saw more cases for using heaters under desktops or laptop legs.

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(Kerry Grens report)