Doctors Link Nickel Used in Cell Phones to Face Rashes

Cell Phone Dermatology: The Face Rash

October 17, 2008

I'm totally paranoid about my face and am always trying to clean off my germy cell phones where they touch me, but it sounds like a bacteria-induced breakout is the least of my problems: Apparently the nickel used in many handsets can cause irritation anywhere you're touching it, like your cheek or even your fingers, just from typing.

It sounds like it's more of an issue with prolonged use, so if you're starting to get an itchy face — AKA "mobile phone dermatitis," then maybe you should whip out your headset if you can't bring yourself to decrease your cell phone use. Anyone else feel itchy just from reading about this?

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13 Comments

4 years 2 weeks

I am getting a rash on my hands from holding my phone while texting. I know I have a sensitivity to nickel and have always been careful about my jewelry for this reason but never thought to check my phone. No where does the manufacturer of my phone list the material make up of the case, and I am finding it hard to get this information on other phones to try and find an alternative. Best solution seems to be plastic, leather, or rubber cases for the phone.

lickety split 4 years 30 weeks

i am "recovering" from this now. the right side of my face has been a mess and i couldn't figure out why. i don't like my headset and avoid using them.

ilanac13 4 years 30 weeks

i saw this post some where else on pop and i have to say that it makes me a bit aggravated. i feel like EVERY day we're finding out about new things that aren't good for us from cell phones, and if that's really the case - then why are thee continuously more and more of these things being designed that don't address the concerns?

RockAndRepublic 4 years 30 weeks

I don't use my cell phone that much, but i also remember not to hold it too close to my face when i do.

jemto 4 years 30 weeks

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies.....what did you do with that cute, little blue tooth ear piece that you took a week researching? Use it if it bothers you that much. I am sure texting won't warp your fingers. If you really have a problem, make sure the phone is the source first. If it is, use the speaker phone...be creative.

jemto 4 years 30 weeks

amerikanbeanhead 4 years 30 weeks

Pain clear nail polish over the irritating parts of your phone, it really does work. one of friends is so allergic to nickel that the grommets and studs on her jeans can give her huge sores so she even paints those with clear nail polish.

BarStar 4 years 30 weeks

Wow, this explains a lot. I resist headsets because I think they look pretty goofy, but I guess it's better than the unexplained itching on my cheek.

maskedtoejam 4 years 30 weeks

My mom told me about this today! I can't believe I didn't think of it before. On the right side of my face, right where I hold my cell phone, I have a itchy spot that won't go away! I've known about my nickel allergy for years, but I never thought my cell phone would cause it!

Anniina 4 years 30 weeks

I think I have had that. Nickel is my kryptonite. My cell was the only thing touching my face, so, yeah. :)

malexa 4 years 30 weeks

the weird things people are finding these days that pertain to cellphones... what happened to the days when our parents gave us toys for christmas and didn't worry about lead being in them?! i miss those days! :P

DailyCrush 4 years 30 weeks

I can't believe someone else noticed this!! I kept getting a tiny, precisely rectangular-shaped red, itchy spot on the side of my face, and I couldn't figure out what it was... until I realised that it lined up EXACTLY with one of the metal buttons on my cell phone. :) I simply switched cell phones (my contract was up anyway - heh), but I also heard you can paint clear nail polish over the metal spot to protect your skin from the nickel.