Millions of people are looking at the best ways to keep warm this winter as temperatures plunge, but a huge warning has been issued over the use of certain devices and items.

       A space heater is a portable device that’s used to heat a specific area that’s powered by electricity, gas, or other fuels.

       Heated blankets have been all the rage of late which helps keep your bed nice and toasty with both devices hailed as winners during the cold days.

       However, one woman has issued a major warning to anyone using either device which could be bad for your health.

       As the cold January days firmly takes its grips in many households, these novel items have been a godsend.

       But if you depend on these appliances, it's crucial to be well-aware on how best to use them, with safety being at the forefront.

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       A woman on TikTok highlighted the dangers when "sitting too close" to a space heater for long periods as it could cause damage to your skin.

       Alexandra Sedlak posted a video on the popular app where she discussed a condition known as toasted skin syndrome.

       In the video, the TikTok user didn’t reveal what her skin looked like after she sat near her space heater for an extended period as she was concerned it would "get taken down".

       She did, however, explain her skin turned "into a marshmallow" when discussing the after effects.

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       She said: "I'm not exaggerating, because do you want to know what the condition is called?

       "It's a real thing; Google it; it's called toasted skin syndrome.

       “If you repeatedly expose your skin to an electric space heater or something of the sort, you will look like a toasted marshmallow, and there's nothing really you can do about it."

       The condition toasted skin syndrome is also known as erythema ab igne (EAI) and is a skin condition which occurs when the skin is exposed to heat or infrared radiation over a long period of time.

       Also known as “fire stains”, the symptoms can include a reticulated pattern of hyperpigmentation and erythema, mottling or mildly pink patches that progress to a reddish or violaceous to brown pattern, scaling, telangiectasias, pain, burning, and itching

       This condition is caused by repeated exposure to heat sources such as heated blankets, space heatings, heated car seats and even laptops.

       According to the PCDS website, there could be "small long-term risk of squamous cell carcinoma or Merkel cell carcinoma developing in areas of EAI - the latent period may be 30 years or more".

       The site added: "Enlarging skin lesions or persisting areas of ulceration within an area of EAI should be referred to urgently."