FIREBRAND
The glowing popularity of wood-burning stoves may be bringing back a skin complaint virtually unknown in the U.S. since the arrival of central heating: erythema abigne, literally redness of the skin from fire. Dermatologists warn that prolonged or repeated exposure to intense heat can cause permanent web-patterned skin discolorations, ranging in shade from pink to brown. (Habitual use of very hot water bottles and heating pads can lead to the same problem.) Dr. Stephen Stone of Springfield, Ill., had one patient whose upper back, shoulder to shoulder, was crisscrossed by marks resulting...
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