Dr Amir Khan discusses health dangers of hot water bottles

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With temperatures creeping down and heating bills rising, you might rely on your hot water bottle to keep you warm this winter. However, Dr Amir Khan has warned that the warming appliance could leave you with a skin condition called “erythema ab igne”.

Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, Dr Amir said: “It’s the time of year when you’ll be dusting off your water bottle.

“Particularly because of the heating prices, you might not want to turn your heating on so you turn to your old water bottle.”

While the warming rubber can keep you toasty and comfy, you shouldn’t be pressing it against your skin for too long.

The doctor continued: “You can get a rash with hot water bottles if you apply them to your skin for a long period of time.

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“I see this quite a lot – it’s got a bit of a posh word, it’s called erythema ab igne or the hot water bottle rash.

“If you put your hot water bottle against your skin, you get this kind of a wavy, red rash on your skin.

“It does fade after time if you take the hot water bottle away but it does look quite serious when you have it.”

This type of rash is characterised by mottled-looking skin, with some hot water bottle users complaining of mild itchiness and a burning sensation.

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