What to do if a heating pad causes a rash or burn on the skin?

Treatment for Heating Pad Burns and Rashes

For a heating pad burn or rash, immediately cool the affected area with clean running water for 5-20 minutes, then cover with a clean non-adherent dressing and seek medical attention if the burn is severe or shows signs of infection. 1, 2

Immediate First Aid Steps

• Immediately remove the heating pad from contact with skin 2
• Cool the burn with clean running water (15° to 25°C) for 5-20 minutes to limit tissue damage and reduce pain 1, 2
• Do not apply ice directly to the burn as it can cause further tissue damage 1, 3
• Remove any jewelry from the affected area before swelling occurs 3
• Monitor children closely for signs of hypothermia during cooling, especially with larger burns 1, 3

Treatment Based on Burn Severity

For Superficial (First-Degree) Burns:

• After cooling, it's reasonable to administer over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs for pain control 3
• Apply petrolatum, petrolatum-based antibiotic ointment, honey, or aloe vera to small burns being managed at home 1, 2
• Cover with a clean, non-adherent dressing 2, 3

For Partial-Thickness (Second-Degree) Burns:

• After cooling, loosely cover with a clean cloth or non-adherent dry dressing while awaiting medical evaluation 1, 2
• Seek medical attention if the burn involves the face, hands, feet, or genitalia 1, 3
• Seek medical attention if the burn covers more than 10% body surface area (5% in children) 1, 3
• Do not break blisters, as this increases infection risk 2, 3

For Full-Thickness (Third-Degree) Burns:

• All full-thickness burns require immediate medical attention 1, 3
• After cooling, cover with a clean, dry, non-adherent dressing while awaiting medical care 2, 3

For Erythema Ab Igne (Heating Pad Rash)

• Erythema ab igne is a reticulated, hyperpigmented rash that develops from chronic exposure to direct heat or infrared radiation 4, 5
• The primary treatment is removal of the heat source - stop using heating pads on the affected area 4, 5
• The condition typically resolves spontaneously over time once the heat exposure is eliminated 5
• Seek medical attention if the rash persists or worsens, as chronic erythema ab igne has rarely been reported to evolve into skin cancers 5

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Seek immediate medical care for burns that involve the face, hands, feet, or genitals 1, 3
• Seek immediate medical care for partial-thickness burns covering >10% body surface area (>5% in children) 1, 3
• Seek immediate medical care for all full-thickness (third-degree) burns 2, 3
• Seek immediate medical care for burns that appear infected or are very painful 2, 3
• Seek immediate medical care if you develop signs of systemic infection (fever, chills) 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not apply ice directly to burns as this can cause further tissue damage 1, 2
• Do not apply butter, oil, or other home remedies to burns 2, 3
• Do not break blisters, as this increases infection risk 2, 3
• Do not delay seeking medical attention for burns with blistering or broken skin 2
• Do not continue to use heating pads on areas showing signs of rash or burn 4, 5

Prevention of Future Heating Pad Burns

• Always place a cloth barrier between the heating pad and skin 6
• Set heating pads to low or medium settings, especially for prolonged use 6
• Do not fall asleep with a heating pad turned on 6
• Check skin regularly for signs of redness or irritation 6
• Follow manufacturer's instructions for safe use of heating devices 6