Too much mobile phone use may have noticeable consequences, in the form of a rash around the ear, cheek and even fingers.
The British Association of Dermatologists has coined the term "mobile phone dermatitis," an allergic reaction to nickel that is present in some fashionable mobile phones, according to a Reuters article published Thursday.
Dr. Phillip Barkley, director of student health at the UF, said he hasn't diagnosed any rashes caused by phones, but he isn't surprised it has become an issue because nickel is a common allergy.
Itchy rashes or rings caused by nickel earrings are similar to mobile phone dermatitis. The main treatment is avoiding nickel-based products, which can be difficult because nickel is a base in belt buckles and jewelry, Barkley said.
The British group said text messaging could theoretically cause reactions on fingers. Also, women are more likely to develop mobile phone dermatitis because they are commonly sensitized following an allergic reaction to nickel-coated jewelry.
The article also referenced a Brown University study this year of 22 popular cell phones from eight manufacturers. Ten of the handsets were found to have nickel.
Elizabeth Warren, a UF freshman, said despite having a nickel allergy, she still purchases fake jewelry that causes irritation.
"I might have had a reaction to my cell phone and just said that it was from my earrings," she said.
