Use of Cell Phones Causes Skin Allergies in Children: Study

Metals used in cell phone devices can cause allergic reactions in children, according to a study.

The use of mobile and smart phones is popular among children and youngsters due to a variety of games, tools and applications available on the devices. Many studies have warned against the excessive use of media devices that encourage gaming addictions in children and a sedentary lifestyle. Recently, experts from the Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Denmark, and Loma Linda University School of Medicine and University of Arizona College of Medicine found that recurrent use of mobile phones can cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in both children and adults.

Many cell phone brands sold in the markets have metals like nickel and chromium that are known to release allergens leading to chronic skin inflammation. The  European Union has strong regulations against usage of harmful metals in devices.

The study, led by Jacob Thyssen, researcher from the Copenhagen University Hospital, examined published data on mobile phone dermatitis and noted 37 cases of ACD by mobile use and six other studies on allergens from metals. Nickel sensitization related to 33 percent of cases of ACD in children.

Furthermore the study noticed chromium and cobalt also triggered skin reactions and frequent ACD.

Exposure to metals in cell phones usually causes allergic reactions and inflammations on the face, neck, hands, inner thighs and breasts.

"With the rising use of cell phones and other mobile devices, pediatricians can expect to see additional cases of ACD," said Mary Cataletto, a professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the New State University, Stony Book, in a news release. "Thyssen's paper discusses diagnostic patch testing for common metal allergens and the value of spot testing of the patient's phone in establishing a causal relationship."

The number of mobile-related ACD cases has increased significantly since 2000. Use of electronic devices like laptops, cell phones, and video game controllers made from cheap nickel, zinc, mercury, arsenic and copper is linked to the rising number of ACD cases in adults and children.

More information is available online in the journal Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Pulmunology.