What could be worse than being allergic to chocolate you ask? What about an allergy to your cellphone?
It seems ridiculous, but it is something.
Are your hands inexplicably itchy, red and/or swollen? Do you have a rash or blemish on just one side of your face? On the side you usually put your phone on when you answer or make a call?
According to experts, the nickel, chromium and cobalt used in making cellphones can irritate your skin.
However, it’s not always the metals, sometimes the materials used to make the phone case or even other allergens, such as dog or cat dander and pollen, that collect on your device.
Let’s go to the heart of the matter.
What is cellphone dermatitis?
Cell phone dermatitis, which has been reported in adults and children, is when the skin becomes flaky and may itch or burn or swell while or after handling a cellphone.
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Some have reported swelling, redness, itching or blisters near the cheekbones, ears, jaw or hands.
What causes cellphone contact dermatitis?
There have been efforts to control the presence of metal allergens in phones, but many contain levels of metals including nickel, cobalt and chromium, which are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis.
More people are developing cellphone dermatitis
Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients used to make cellphones.
The National Library of Medicine says cellphone dermatitis is “an emerging phenomenon, especially among adolescents and young adults.”
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Dermatologists need to be aware that this is an “emerging phenomenon,” especially among adolescents and young adults.
How can you be allergic to your phone case or electronic devices?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 10% to 20% of the population is sensitive to nickel. Prolonged contact with nickel can increase your sensitivity to it.
In a study by the National Library of Medicine, 37 patients with cellphone dermatitis were evaluated. Some have been found to be allergic to one of the metals used in their cellphones while others are allergic to more than one or all. One of the patients who had cellphone dermatitis on her face stopped using her mobile and after 10 days her skin cleared up.
What are the symptoms of cellphone contact dermatitis?
Physician Assistant Tamar Mermelstein, of Advanced Dermatology PC in Paramus, says the symptoms of cellphone dermatitis range from mild redness, itching, swelling and even blistering. cheek, ear, finger, or hand. Dermatitis can also appear on the chest, thighs, or anywhere you rest your phone, Mermelstein says.
He said it’s also possible that you have a cellphone case allergy because some people are also allergic to silicone.
How to avoid cellphone dermatitis
Not using your cellphone is the best, but an unrealistic solution, experts say.
More realistic solutions include using wireless earbuds instead of putting the phone to the ear, covering the phone with plastic film or switching to a different cellphone or cellphone case.
How do you treat cellphone dermatitis?
Talk to your doctor, but most rashes can be treated with a topical steroid cream or antihistamines.
A visit to your doctor or an allergist or dermatologist’s office is a good idea. They can perform an allergy patch test, specifically the metal series. If it’s not the metals, perhaps other allergens in the phone or phone case may be responsible.