A leading dermatologist has issued a crucial winter warning for office workers and remote employees who use portable heaters to combat chilly temperatures. Dr Abigail Waldman, a Board Certified Dermatologist and Harvard Associate Professor, has highlighted significant health risks associated with keeping heating devices too close to the skin.
The Three Winter Practices Dermatologists Avoid
Known as Dr Abby to her 521,000 TikTok followers, the medical expert recently shared a video detailing "Three things I would never do in the winter as a dermatologist." The first and most concerning practice she identified involves portable space heaters positioned beneath desks.
The Hidden Danger of Desk Heaters
Dr Abby explained: "I would never use a space heater under my desk, really close to my skin, because it can result in this rash called erythema ab igne (EAI), which is really difficult to get rid of once you get it."
This condition, commonly known as 'toasted skin syndrome,' develops from chronic heat exposure close to the skin. Sources can include space heaters, hot water bottles, or even laptops placed directly on laps for extended periods.
Understanding Toasted Skin Syndrome
Erythema ab igne presents as a reddish-brown rash with hyperpigmentation that can become permanent. According to dermatological resource DermNet, this skin reaction results from prolonged exposure to infrared radiation in heat form.
While central heating has reduced cases from open fires and electric heaters, modern sources still pose risks. These include repeated exposure to car heaters, furniture with built-in heating elements, or regular use of hot water bottles for pain management.
Symptoms and Progression
The condition typically begins with mild redness from limited heat exposure. With prolonged, repeated contact, symptoms can progress to marked redness, itchiness, and burning sensations. Early stages may show blanching redness that becomes fixed, darker, and may involve skin thinning over time.
Recovery and Medical Attention
Medical guidance suggests immediately stopping or significantly reducing heat exposure when symptoms appear. The condition usually improves over weeks to months after removing the heat source, though colour changes may persist.
Dr Abby emphasised the importance of consulting a GP about any health concerns. In persistent cases where rashes don't improve or appear unusual, a biopsy may be necessary to check for other issues or early signs of skin cancer.
Additional Winter Advice from Dermatologists
Beyond heater warnings, Dr Abby shared two other winter practices she avoids. As someone with dust mite allergies, she never makes her bed immediately after waking up, explaining that dust mites thrive in warm, covered environments created by morning bed-making.
She also strongly advises against using tanning beds, which pose separate but significant skin health risks.
Practical Recommendations for Office Workers
For those working in cold environments, dermatologists recommend:
- Positioning heaters at least several feet away from skin
- Using indirect heating methods rather than direct exposure
- Taking regular breaks from heat sources
- Layering clothing for warmth instead of relying solely on heaters
- Being particularly cautious with laptops on laps during extended use
As winter continues and many work from home or in poorly heated offices, this dermatological warning serves as an important reminder that comfort measures can sometimes carry unexpected health consequences requiring medical awareness and preventive action.
