SPENDING hours with your mobile phone stuck to the side of your head could cause an allergic reaction, experts have warned.
There have been several cases where unexplained rashes on the face and ear were eventually linked to nickel on the phone's surface. Now the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) is warning doctors to be aware of the phenomenon of "mobile phone
dermatitis".
Nickel is often used in the casing of mobile handsets or in the buttons – particularly in more flashy and fashionable models.
An allergy to nickel is the most common contact allergy in the UK and is thought to affect almost a third of the population. But because the link to mobile phones has only now been identified, many cases could be left untreated.
The BAD said women were at higher risk as they were more likely to have been previously sensitised after an allergic reaction to nickel-coated jewellery.
The association's Dr Graham Lowe said: "Prolonged or repetitive contact with a nickel– containing phone is more likely to cause a skin reaction in those who are allergic. If you have had a previous reaction to a nickel-coated belt-buckle or jewellery, for example, you are at greater risk of reacting to metal phones."
He said that with mobile phone dermatitis, a rash would typically occur on the cheek or ear, depending on where the metal part of the phone came into contact with the skin.
"In theory, it could even occur on the fingers if you spend a lot of time texting on metal menu buttons," he said.
Earlier this year, a study by researchers in the United States tested for nickel in 22 handsets from eight manufacturers and found the metal was present in ten of them.
Dr Lionel Bercovitch, one of the researchers, said: "The menu buttons, decorative logos on the headsets and the metallic frames around the LCD screens were the most common sites."
Jules Payne, from the charity Allergy UK, said: "It is very important that doctors and the public are aware of this.
Allergy to nickel is a major problem."
David Pringle, from the mobile phone industry body, the GSM Association, said: "Some manufacturers plan to phase out use of nickel on surfaces across their product range. Using a case or handsfree kit will minimise contact to surfaces that may contain nickel."
Mobiles have previously been linked to repetitive strain injury, due to frequent texting.
