Mrluvaluva
17-10-2008, 11:19 AM
It's every teenager's worst nightmare – using your mobile phone can give you spots.
And if you think the answer is texting, forget it, because the tips of fingers can also break out in a rash.
The problem, according to the British Association of Dermatologists (Bad), is nickel. The metal is present in most mobile phones and the association warned that users may develop rashes on their cheeks or ear.
The issue came to light after several reports of patients with unexplained skin disorders.
Cases are thought to be on the rise – poetic justice, perhaps, for commuters who have had to endure annoying conversations and musical ringtones after a long day.
Experts found that the reaction was caused by nickel in the casing or on the buttons of some mobile phones. Reports of several cases have been published in medical journals including the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and the British Journal of Dermatology.
Dr Graham Lowe, from Bad, dubbed the condition 'mobile phone dermatitis'. He said: 'The allergy results from frequent skin contact with nickel-containing objects.
'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.
'In theory it could even occur on the fingers if you spend a lot of time texting on metal buttons.'
A spokesman for the GSM Association, which represents mobile phone operators worldwide, said: 'Using a case or hands-free kit will minimise contact with nickel.'
Original article here (http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Your_phone_%91will_make_you_spotty%92&in_article_id=361262&in_page_id=34)
And if you think the answer is texting, forget it, because the tips of fingers can also break out in a rash.
The problem, according to the British Association of Dermatologists (Bad), is nickel. The metal is present in most mobile phones and the association warned that users may develop rashes on their cheeks or ear.
The issue came to light after several reports of patients with unexplained skin disorders.
Cases are thought to be on the rise – poetic justice, perhaps, for commuters who have had to endure annoying conversations and musical ringtones after a long day.
Experts found that the reaction was caused by nickel in the casing or on the buttons of some mobile phones. Reports of several cases have been published in medical journals including the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and the British Journal of Dermatology.
Dr Graham Lowe, from Bad, dubbed the condition 'mobile phone dermatitis'. He said: 'The allergy results from frequent skin contact with nickel-containing objects.
'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.
'In theory it could even occur on the fingers if you spend a lot of time texting on metal buttons.'
A spokesman for the GSM Association, which represents mobile phone operators worldwide, said: 'Using a case or hands-free kit will minimise contact with nickel.'
Original article here (http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Your_phone_%91will_make_you_spotty%92&in_article_id=361262&in_page_id=34)