A woman in Wales has shared her story of developing ‘toasted skin syndrome’ after sitting too close to an electric heater. Sarah Maxwell, a 26-year-old aesthetician known for sharing skincare tips online, noticed a strange rash resembling a slice of toasted bread on her shin earlier this year. The condition, also known as erythema ab igne (EAI), is caused by prolonged exposure to heat, resulting in skin changes like redness, hyperpigmentation, and scaling.
Sarah revealed that the rash appeared after using a space heater in her facial studio, which blew hot air directly onto her calf while she was working on a client. Despite her initial disappointment in inadvertently causing damage to her skin, Sarah’s toasted skin syndrome eventually faded after she stopped using the heater. She highlighted the importance of being cautious with heat sources on the skin to avoid such conditions.
After sharing her experience on social media, Sarah received overwhelming support from others who had experienced similar issues with heat sources like space heaters and hot water bottles. She emphasised the need for awareness and caution when using heat on the skin to prevent unwanted consequences. Sarah’s story serves as a reminder to prioritise skin health and safety in everyday practices.
Toasted skin syndrome, though relatively uncommon, can occur with prolonged exposure to heat sources. Sarah’s experience sheds light on the importance of understanding how external factors can impact our skin’s health. By raising awareness about this condition, she hopes to educate others on the potential risks and encourage responsible use of heat sources to maintain healthy skin.