Reports of low-temperature burns from disposable hand warmers have prompted a doctor to warn about proper use of the products amid a prolonged cold spell in Taiwan.
Huang Ching-yu (黃景昱), a doctor at the Dr Young and Dr Huang Dermatology and Aesthetics Clinic in Taipei, said that while heating pads can provide localized warmth — improving blood circulation — people must take care when using them.
Leaving the heating pads on skin for long periods or inside blankets while sleeping can lead to problems, Huang said.
Photo: Taipei Times file
“If a person rolls over onto a heating pad in their sleep, it can press the product onto exposed skin, which can cause a low-temperature burn,” he said.
This can lead to a condition known as a “hot water bottle rash” — or erythema ab igne — which can cause reticulated redness and dark patches on the skin, he said.
Itchiness, a burning sensation, and damage to the skin and underlying tissue can result, Huang said, adding that great care should be taken when using heating pads in bed.
Elderly people, those with chronic illness, mobility problems or nerve abnormalities are prone to low-temperature burns, while other high-risk groups include infants and people who use sleeping pills, he said.
“A hand warmer can reach 45°C and could easily cause a burn if pushed against the skin for 15 to 20 minutes,” he said. “If a person sustains a low-temperature burn, they should immediately rinse it with cold water before seeking advice from a medical professional.”
The nervous system will warn people about temperatures in excess of 60°C, but damage from low-temperature burning can go unnoticed while it is being inflicted, he said.
“It is like cooking sous vide chicken,” Huang said. “People might not be concerned by the relatively low heat and not be on guard for potential damage.”
However, after prolonged exposure, the skin can be harmed, he said.
After 30 minutes, low-heat burns can manifest as a burning sensation, he said, adding that the resulting rashes do not usually blister, and there would be more itchiness than pain.
“We treated a patient for shoulder pain after they used heating pads for about 20 minutes daily,” Huang said. “After a few weeks of use, the patient had reticulated redness on the area.”
Even if a heating pad is wrapped in a towel, it can still burn if it is pressed against the skin, he added.
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