Description

Prolonged abdominal heat application in an individual with diabetes and gastroparesis leads to the development of erythema ab igne. Practitioners should be aware of the various ways that erythema ab igne can present.1

Erythema ab igne is due to prolonged heat exposure (43–47°C) which causes damage to superficial vascular plexus leading to vasodilation, erythema and haemosiderin deposition which clinically appears as hyperpigmentation.2

A 28-year-old man with type 1 diabetes and gastroparesis had presented with vomiting and abdominal pain. Abdominal examination revealed a erythematous, reticulated, macular and non blanchable pigmentation, (figure 1). The patient used to apply hot water bottles for abdominal pain relief.