Burn risk with laptop use
6 December 2002
People who use laptop computers on their laps risk serious burns, even if they are wearing long trousers and underpants, a Swedish doctor says.
He reported the case of a 50-year-old man who had been using his laptop for an hour on his lap, but needed to shift the computer occasionally to relieve heat and burning on his lap and upper thigh (Lancet 2002; 360: 1704).
The next day, he noticed his foreskin was irritated and swollen. The skin on his scrotum had reddened and blistered.
Two days later, the blisters burst and became infected with extensive suppuration (formation of pus). But a week later the wounds had crusted over. They healed rapidly without antibiotics.
Last Reviewed: 05 December 2002
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 06/12/02
