Mobile Phone Use May Cause Allergies

Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya, Member of the Turkish National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association (AİD), has made important statements noting that nickel-related allergies have increased with technology entering our lives. Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya, Member of the Turkish National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association (AİD), has shared that the use of mobile phones and tablets can cause allergies. Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya stated: "Particularly, nickel-containing phones and tablets that are in contact with hands and face for extended periods can cause redness, itching, dryness, swelling, cracking, flaking, and in advanced stages, weeping and crusting in patients."

Serious Reactions Can Develop from Nickel-Containing Phones and Tablets

Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya has drawn attention to nickel-related allergies introduced by technology into our lives. Çetinkaya stated: "In recent years, an important health issue associated with smartphones and tablet computers has begun to attract attention. We are observing allergic contact dermatitis due to nickel used in the manufacture of these devices. In particular, serious reactions can develop from nickel-containing phones and tablets that are in contact with hands and face for extended periods. This type of dermatitis that has emerged in recent years is called 'mobile phone dermatitis.' Cobalt, though to a lesser extent than nickel, can also cause allergic contact dermatitis from mobile phones." Emphasizing that nickel is more present in our lives than we think, Çetinkaya stated: "The menu buttons on tablet computers and mobile phones, decorative logos, and the metallic frames around the liquid crystal display (LCD) are the most common places where nickel is found. Unfortunately, in addition to nickel in phones and tablet computers, it is also found in many tools and items that people frequently encounter in their daily lives (jewelry, belt buckles, zippers, buttons, snaps, eyeglasses, coins and keys)."

Nickel-Related Allergic Contact Dermatitis Detected in 17-33% of Children

Çetinkaya shared that nickel sensitivity has been detected in 17% of women and 3% of men, and that nickel-related allergic contact dermatitis has been detected in 17-33% of children. Noting that patients with nickel-related allergic contact dermatitis will experience redness, itching, dryness, swelling, cracking, flaking, and in advanced stages, weeping and crusting in body areas where contact is most intense, Çetinkaya recommended that sensitive individuals and children minimize contact with such devices as much as possible to prevent allergic contact dermatitis from mobile phones.