Laptops cause "toasted skin syndrome"

CHICAGO (AP) - A medical report says people who work with computers on their laps for long periods could suffer from "toasted skin syndrome."
 

In one case, a 12-year-old boy developed a sponge-patterned skin discoloration on his left thigh after playing computer games a few hours every day for several months.

The condition is generally harmless but can cause permanent skin darkening.  In very rare cases, it can cause damage leading to skin cancers.