Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Cell Phones Also Annoy Your Skin

'Mobile phone dermatitis' could explain mysterious facial rashes

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 16, 2008 2:32 PM CDT

(Newser) – Cell phones won’t melt your brain, but they do cause “mobile phone dermatitis,” Reuters reports. A British dermatological organization is cautioning doctors to consider allergy-causing nickel found on many phones in cases of “a rash on the cheek or ear that cannot otherwise be explained.” The condition afflicts excessive cell-phone users, and possibly the fingers of inveterate texters.

Nickel is often the culprit in contact rashes, and a study found the metal in almost half of popular phones. A case of dermatitis from phone use causes a red, itchy rash wherever the user allows the handset to touch her skin, be it ear or cheek. The British group said many doctors had no idea such devices might cause rashes.

Does French President Nicolas Sarkozy have mobile phone dermatitis? It's a dummy.
Does French President Nicolas Sarkozy have mobile phone dermatitis? It's a dummy.   (AP Photo)
A case of mobile phone dermatitis?
A case of "mobile phone dermatitis?"   (AP Photo)
This man's injuries were not caused by his cell phone.
This man's injuries were not caused by his cell phone.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

You Don't Want to Know What's on Your Cellphone

Doctor Accused of Prescribing Christianity

Docs Missed Fatal Toilet Brush in Drunk's Butt

Rickets Up Among Kids Hooked on Computers

Brit Health Service Endorses Wii Fit


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne