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Toasted Skin Syndrome on the Rise Among Children Due to Digital Gadgets
Confirmed
In Short: A growing number of children are experiencing skin conditions linked to prolonged use of electronic devices, prompting medical professionals to warn of potential risks.
According to reports, the condition known as toasted skin syndrome, or erythema ab igne (EAI), is becoming increasingly common among children who use digital gadgets for extended periods. Dr. Mara Znagoveanu of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust reported a case of a child presenting with 'spontaneous bruising' at a children's emergency department, which was later diagnosed as EAI.
Medical professionals have highlighted the rise in children suffering skin reactions from resting electronic devices against bare skin. A pre-teen boy was diagnosed with EAI after keeping a laptop on his stomach for up to eight hours daily. Dr. Znagoveanu noted, 'The increasing use of electronic devices, particularly during home schooling, has emerged as an under-recognized cause of EAI in pediatric populations.
Dr. Znagoveanu also warned that EAI might be misdiagnosed in children, leading to unnecessary investigations such as blood tests or scans. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the condition early to prevent potential complications. The condition is typically seen in adults using hot water bottles or heating pads, but it is becoming more prevalent among children due to the widespread use of digital gadgets.
While the focus is on the health risks associated with electronic devices, other news stories highlight tragic incidents. In northern Belgium, a school minibus was hit by a train at a level crossing, resulting in the deaths of two children and serious injuries to five others. The incident underscores the ongoing dangers faced by children in various contexts.
Other news stories, however, focus on positive developments. A Stanford-led study showed that analyzing children's speech could predict whether they developed mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, six years later. This research could lead to earlier interventions and better support for children's mental health.
What's still developing
- Two children were among four people killed when a school minibus was hit by a train after appearing to plow through a barrier at a level crossing in northern Belgium on Tuesday morning, police said.
- Five more children were seriously injured during the incident and are now in stable condition in hospital, De Wilde said.
- For much of the summer, areas of high pressure have dominated the UK weather, with dry conditions and winds from continental Europe allowing temperatures to rise repeatedly.
- Ndejembi said Ameir had been battling a heart condition and died at about 8am local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
- Ruto said: “I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania,” He added, “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto also said: “Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” He further prayed for the bereaved family.
- The couple married in 1978, before Samia entered national politics, and had four children — three sons and a daughter.
- Saratov Oblast Governor Roman Busargin later said that 10 people, including three children, were injured in the attack.
- Six were hospitalized, though none were in life-threatening condition, according to the governor.