[Erythema ab igne in a patient with bulimia nervosa]

Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a skin lesion, which is characterized by a localized netlike erythema. For the occurrence of the dermatosis a continuous or regular heat exposure and infrared radiation to a skin area is necessary. The reticulated maculae could fade after stopping the heat exposure, persist as hyperpigmentation and in single cases a malignant transformation is possible. We present a patient with bulimia nervosa (BN), who developed an EAI after consequent use of a hot-water bottle. In the context of the eating disorder the patient reported a general feeling of cold. She avoided the contact with the abdomen to prevent a stimulation of the digestion. Therefore the EAI was located predominantly on the medial thighs. After stopping the heat application the EAI faded slightly in the periphery und turned browner.