++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ +++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CASE OF THE MONTH
+ +
Case of the Month With Crutchfield Dermatology
A
5 2 -Y E A R - O L D WOMA N PRESENTS for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a reticulated/net-like brown-
to-rust colored patch on her back. The skin is not symptomatic and, in fact, she was unaware of its presence until her husband noticed it and asked her about it. Her health history is, essentially, unremarkable with the exception of a mild low-back muscle strain that she has recently recovered from after a vigorous afternoon of landscaping.
discoloration will most often fade with time and good emollients, although in a small percentage of patients, the area of discoloration persists.
For more informat ion, contact
Charles E. Crutchf ield III, M.D., at Crutchf ield Dermatolog y or vi s i t www.CrutchfieldDermatology.com. ■
What's Your Diagnosis? Erythema Ab Igne is a condition of
hyperpigmentation that occurs in the skin after both acute and chronic heat exposure. It may be tender or pruritic, but is most often asymptomatic. It is treated with avoidance of the offending heat source. In this particular case, the patient was using an electric heating pad at night to relieve her low-back pain. Electric heating pads and hot water bottles are common causes of Erythema Ab Igne. I have also seen it on the shins of persons who sit close to campfires and on the palms of cooks who work close to hot ovens and heat or flames. Once the offending heat source is removed, the
