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Extended Use of a Heating Pad

The Consumer Product Safety Commission regularly receives complaints concerning injuries and fatalities involving electric heating pads. These accidents occur in residences, nursing homes and hospitals. Most of the deaths are from fires and severe burns involving the elderly. Faulty wiring or worn insulation in the heating pads causes them to ignite.

  1. Dangers of Heating Pads

    • Heating pads appear to be safe for sore muscles or joints, but when used improperly, they can be dangerous. Paralysis and stroke victims, diabetics, people who are on certain medications or have consumed too much alcohol and babies are particularly vulnerable. Keeping a heating pad in one place on the body for an extended period can cause severe burns, even when set to a low temperature.

    Safety Precautions

    • Inspect the heating pad before use. If it looks worn or if electric wiring is exposed, throw it away. Always keep the protective cover on. Do not sit or lie on a heating pad. Unplug the pad when not in use. Always read the directions. Do not use a heating pad around oxygen equipment. Do not use safety pins to secure a heating pad in place.

    Erythema Ab Igne

    • Erythema ab igne is a reaction caused by too much exposure to infrared radiation. The condition is seen in individuals who overuse heating pads and laptops. It looks like a red rash or sunburn. Eventually the skin thins and can develop sores. There is a slight risk of skin cancer from overexposure to heating pads, according to a clinical study published in the March-April 2001 issue of "Ultrastructural Pathology."

    EMF Exposure

    • Electric appliances emit electromagnetic fields--invisible lines of force. Ongoing clinical studies are being conducted to test whether EMFs increase the risk of cancer in humans, but are not conclusive. One University of Washington study found DNA damage in the brains of rats after 24 hours in a 60-hertz field. More damage occurred after 48 hours of exposure. This suggests that EMF exposure may be cumulative in both animals and humans. Although the study did not cite heating pads directly, anyone concerned about EMF exposure would do well to replace electric heating pads with non-electric ones.

    Heat Therapy Options

    • The most effective heat therapy products keep the area warm but do not burn the skin. They bring warmth deep into the affected tissues. Other than heating pads, consider these heating options: hot water bottles, microwaveable heated gel packs, heat wraps and hot baths. If an area is bruised or swelling, apply ice. A combination of heat and ice therapy often works effectively.

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