Mobiles cause rash of allergies

Pro

Mobile phones are being blamed for increasing cases of an allergic skin disorders, and doctors are being advised to be on the lookout for symptoms.

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) says the disorder is caused by an allergic reaction to nickel in phone casings or buttons, with some patients getting rashes on their faces as a direct cause of mobile phone use.

“In mobile phone dermatitis, the rash would typically occur on the cheek or ear, depending on where the metal part of the phone comes into contact with the skin,” said Dr Graham Lowe of the BAD.

“In theory it could even occur on the fingers if you spend a lot of time texting on metal menu buttons.”

The allergy is thought be on the increase as more fashionable handsets have generally higher nickel content, according to the BAD. Nickel allergy is the most common type of allergy in Britain, where nearly a third of people are affected, the BAD said.

Read More: Software & Services