You may be having a reaction not just to the phone conversation you are having but to the cell phone nickel compoments. Nickel is a common cause for allergic contact dermatitis or an eczema skin rash. Nickel buttons on pants can cause this. For some people the reaction can be same day. For others the allergic skin rash may not appear for days. It can be a red rash or blisters. Nickel is one of the top substances to create a skin rash and is found in jewelry, belt buckles, belt snaps, tools, hair clips eating utensils etc. Women have a higher incidence of nickel allergies, perhaps due to the incidence of pierced ears and earrings.

Recently cell phones and other electronic gadgets have also been noted as items to be aware of with nickel components. The location of nickel is in a variety of places including the handset buttons or case as well as ear attachment parts. Some can get the allergic rash due to texting if the buttons are nickel.

Dr. Lionel Bercovitch, of Brown University tested a number of cell phones and found free nickel in ten out of twenty two mobile phones. The ear and cheek area are common areas for the rash to occur but you can study how you use the cell phone. Also if you’ve developed a sensitivy to nickel due to jewelery , this may manifest itself again in this context as allergic contact dermatitis. Some mobile manufacturers are considering eliminating nickel as they evaluate these findings. Dr.Bercovitch noted that mobile phones which are more rugged have rubber coating.The stylish types of cell phones would have more free nickel. This is discussed in the January issue of Canadian Medical Association journal.

If you have a reaction, antihistamines can be used to control the itching. Depending on severity, a cortisone cream and moisturizer should also be used to help the skin heal. Ultimately, if you get an allergic rash, substituting other types of coverings can be helpful to protect your ear and facial areas. The term “mobile phone dermatitis” is used to discuss this issue. It is interesting that in the UK, nickel is the most common contact allergic dermatitis or eczema. Will we see a decrease in excessive texting?