J Korean Med Assoc.  2019 Apr;62(4):187-192. 10.5124/jkma.2019.62.4.187.

Heat-related skin disease

• Kim KH

• KMID: 2442733
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2019.62.4.187

Abstract

Skin disease can be caused by high temperature, and it is related to the temperature regulation mechanism of human body, adaptation reaction to temperature change, and health problems due to the recent problematic climate change. In hyperthermia, hot and dry skin is typical manifestation, and sometimes the skin color turns red. On the other hand, the skin color can become pale in severe febrile convulsion. Burn is a skin damage caused by heat, and not only the skin but also the underlying tissues can be destroyed in severe case. It is important to determine the degree and extent of the burn to treat adequately. In the case of severe burns, systemic treatment and prevention of infection or shock should be needed. Miliaria, also called "sweat rash," occurs when the sweat is accumulated as the sweat gland is closed and sweat cannot be secreted to the surface of the skin. The basis of treating miliaria is to keep the patient in a cool environment. Erythema ab igne is defined as a network of hyperpigmentation that occurs after prolonged exposure to heat that is not enough to cause burn. It may disappear when exposure to heat is interrupted, but it may remain permanently. The extent and mechanism of heat-induced skin disease very diverse and it should be carefully assessed for the severity of each disease, the treatment method and prognosis.

Keyword

Fever; Burns; Miliaria

MeSH Terms

Burns
Climate Change
Erythema
Fever
Hand
Hot Temperature
Human Body
Humans
Hyperpigmentation
Methods
Miliaria
Prognosis
Seizures, Febrile
Shock
Skin Diseases*
Skin Pigmentation
Skin*
Sweat
Sweat Glands

Figure

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  Figure 1 Miliaria crystallina. Superficial transparent blisters in the form of droplets are observed. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.

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  Figure 2 Miliaria rubra. Superfical scattered erythemaotus paupules are observed. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.

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  Figure 3 Erythema ab igne. (A,B) There is net-like erythema along the exposed part of the heat and dark brown pigmentation. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.

Reference

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3. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Heat stress: heat related illness [Internet]. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;2018. cited 2019 Mar 4. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html.

4. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Heat Stress - Heat Related Illness.