Doctors Warn Against Resting Laptops on Skin

Doctors have cautioned that placing an electronic device on bare skin can lead to permanent skin damage, following a case reported in the BMJ Case Reports. The patient, a child, presented with a distinctive “fishnet” rash and skin discoloration, diagnostic features of erythema ab igne. The condition was traced to repeated exposure to the low‑grade heat emitted by a laptop that had been balanced on the child’s thighs for extended periods.

Erythema ab igne results from chronic thermal irritation, causing reticular hyperpigmentation and, in severe cases, ulceration or scarring. The case study highlighted that even modest heat sources, such as laptops, can produce enough sustained warmth to trigger the condition when the device is placed directly against the skin. The report urges parents and caregivers to use protective barriers or avoid prolonged contact with electronic devices on exposed skin to prevent similar dermatologic complications.

The authors conclude that simple preventive measures—such as using a laptop stand or placing a towel between the device and the body—can mitigate the risk of erythema ab igne and its potential disfigurement. They recommend that clinicians remain vigilant for this under‑recognized condition, particularly in children who frequently use portable electronics.