1356 Toasted Skin

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the Wifi-enabled coffee shop. Watch out for your laptop.
There have been all sorts of aliments we’ve had to endure from computer technology, but never anything quite like this. TSS. Toasted Skin Syndrome. That’s right. Your laptop may make you a s’more.
It used to be eyestrain from sitting too close to the CRT. Then it was carpal tunnel syndrome from un-ergonomic keyboards and too much mouse clicking. Then it was neck and back strain from bad posture. A host of medical ailments unleashed on the ever computer dependent public.
Computers fueled a veritable surge in the economy from eye doctor, orthopedist, chiropractor, and massage therapist fees. And now dermatologists are about to cash in too, with Toasted Skin Syndrome.
TSS can happen to people who actually use a laptop—on their laptop. The low-level heat eventually affects the dermis and causes a darkening discoloration. Some people get an overall darkening. Some people get streaks or a criss-cross pattern. One doctor reported a net-like pattern.
Or possibly web-like.
TSS is technically called “erythema ab igne,” from the Latin “redness from fire.” It’s been documented in bakers, glass blowers, and even people who gather often at a central heating source for warmth. I just think it’s another unexpected consequence of our overdependence on technology.
What an interesting thing. First computers gave us spam, then bacn. Now we’re getting toast. I was just going for the information super-highway, who would have expected breakfast.
But I think the coolest thing about toasted skin syndrome is that now I bet we’ll get one of those weird consumer warnings to fend off lawsuits.
“Caution: Do not use laptop on laptop.”
America, ya gotta love it.