Erythema Ab Igne — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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EasyPhotobiologyErythema Ab IgneSCE Dermatology

A 40-year-old woman presents with brown to grey reticular hyperpigmentation on the anterior and lateral chest following prolonged use of a hot water bottle. What is the diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Erythema ab igne

The best answer is “Erythema ab igne”. The diagnosis follows the defining morphology, distribution, histopathology and time course; management changes when red flags, scarring, systemic disease or malignancy risk are present. The alternatives “Addison disease”, “Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis”, “Drug-induced hyperpigmentation”, “Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” are clinically adjacent possibilities, but they do not fit the defining morphology, distribution, histopathology, risk signal or management sequence in this stem.

Reference: British Association of Dermatologists clinical resources: https://www.bad.org.uk/