They are called "laptops," but now researchers say that you lap
may be the worst place to rest your portable computer. Prolonged
contact between hot computers and human skin can be dangerous,
according to a study in Pediatrics. Swiss doctors first noticed
the condition they now call "toasted skin" back in 2004. A
12-year old boy complained of mottled skin on his thighs after
extended sessions of playing video games. Now Chicago
dermatologists say they are seeing toasted skin in their
patients, especially children. Usually heating pads and hot-
water bottles cause the condition, but now researchers are
seeing it triggered by long-term computer use. Major computer
manufacturers like Hewlett Packard, Dell and Apple caution their
users not to place their machines on their skin for extended
periods of time because of the risk of burns. The news doesn’t
surprise Karl Volkman of Chicago-based SRV Network. "Because our
computers are getting faster and faster, they are putting off
more and more heat," said Volkman. Vol