Repetitive, prolonged use of heating pads, space heaters, electric blankets, hot water bottles, overheated laptops and heated car seats can all cause erythema ab igne or “toasted skin syndrome”, which is a skin condition caused by long term, indirect heat exposure. It manifests as purple to brown net-like discolorations on the skin that can be permanent (particularly after years of heat exposure). It’s important to note that chronic heat exposure may increase the risk of cancer, and there have b