Placing a laptop directly on your legs for prolonged periods can harm the skin.
The laptop was invented to
provide user mobility — so we don't end up being chained to our desk
computers. But working for hours with the lappy perched on your lap
could result in discoloured patchy skin. While you could be enjoying the
heat emanating, you could also develop Toasted Skin Syndrome. Here's more about the condition...
What is it?
It
is clinically known as Erythema Ab Igne and also known by names such as
'laptop thigh' and 'hot water bottle rash'. Swiss doctors call it
'laptop-induced dermatosis'. Cosmeto-dermatologist Dr Anuya Manerkar
defines it as "A coarsely reticulatedpigmentation which is produced by prolonged exposure to excessive heat without the production of a burn."
Who is at risk?
"People
who spend prolonged periods of time studying, reading, or playing games
on laptops resting on their upper legs could develop this skin
syndrome," warns dermatologist Dr Shreyas Kamath. This skin condition is
common among people often exposed to heat while working (blacksmiths,
silversmiths, cooks, etc). Now, people using laptops for long hours are
facing this.
Causes
The
prolonged placement of laptop on the thighs results in thermal build of
around 44 degrees of heat to which the skin responds by developing
persistent redness and pigmentation. This has been reported in medical
literature between 2004 to date, explains dermatologist and
dermatosurgeon Dr Shenaz Z Arsiwala.
Harmful effects:
"The
skin develops a patch which is mottled (caused by local hemostasis —
stagnation of blood) and later becomes reticulated erythema (patchy
striped erythema) leaving behind pigmentation," says Dr Manerkar.
Cosmeto-dermatologist Dr Swati
Srivastava warns that repeated skin exposure can waste tissues,
typically due to the degeneration of cells. If there is a persistent
soreness that does not heal, a skin biopsy should be performed to rule
out the possibility of skin cancer.
Treatment
First
of all, identification of the root cause, i.e., the source of the heat,
needs to be identified. If it is excess duration of laptop usage, it
should be cut down. Also, direct contact of the laptop and the skin
should be avoided by placing a barrier in between. Dr Arsiwala says
laptop coolers are also available. The skin change, if detected early
and is mild in nature, can settle on its own without treatment.
For persistent redness, anti-inflammatory creams can be used. For
pigmentary changes, addition of topical tretinoin (a drug related to
retinol or vitamin A) cream may be mandatory. In some cases, one may
require laser therapy.
Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
