How to avoid toasted skin syndrome caused by your laptop

An Associated Press report on MSNBC warns of using laptops on your lap. But isn't that what laptops were made for - to use on your lap?

From the report:

Have you ever worked on your laptop computer with it sitting on your lap, heating up your legs? If so, you might want to rethink that habit.

Doing it a lot can lead to "toasted skin syndrome," an unusual-looking mottled skin condition caused by long-term heat exposure, according to medical reports.

Where was this report several years ago when laptops really got hot?

Chances are if your laptop is less than one year old, the heat won't be a big problem.



I made a very simple but effective self cooling lap desk for my laptop as shown in the photos above. It was made from a small piece of 1/8" thick Masonite pressed board although thin plywood would also work.

I have a deep dislike for laptop touchpads so my lap desk had to be wide enough to accommodate a mouse. My lap desk is the width of the computer plus 5 inches for a mouse pad.

A 3/4 inch square strip was added to raise the back of the computer to allow cooling air to circulate under the computer.

A piece of denim works well for a mouse pad. Allow enough denim to fold back and sew a hem that will keep the mouse from sliding back in your lap while kicked back your favorite recliner chair.

The toasted skin syndrome report is here.