Cellphones might cause allergic contact dermatitis

Certain mobile phones might contain nickel or chromium that could cause facial allergic contact dermatitis in patients, according to a presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology Summer Academy Meeting in New York.

Amber Reck Atwater, MD, FAAD, assistant professor and director of the Contact Dermatitis and Patch Testing Center at Duke Department of Dermatology, Durham, N.C., said many reported cases of mobile phone nickel-induced facial dermatitis have occurred involving older flip phones, while newer smartphones are less likely to contain nickel on their surfaces. One case of an allergic reaction involving a smartphone case or cover that contained silicone has been reported, Atwater said in a press release.

The most common forms of facial allergic contact dermatitis occur on the eyelid, lip and from run-off when an allergic product used on the scalp is rinsed and runs down the face to other body parts. They include the upper forehead, ears, sides of the face and neck, and chest, according to the release.

If the rash’s source is unknown, patients should be asked about their hobbies, the work they perform and herbal products they apply to the skin, Atwater said. If the cause of the reaction remains unclear, patch testing can be conducted.

Over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream can be used to treat a mild reaction, while topical steroids might be prescribed for more serious cases depending on the affected area since steroids have side effects, according to Atwater.

“People are not born with allergies, but rather allergies develop over time,” Atwater said. “Any chemical can cause an allergic reaction, so it is important [for patients] to stop using a product [they] suspect might be to blame. Even if [they] have been using a product for several years and don’t think it could be the source … . Product manufacturers can change their formulas.”

Disclosure: Amber Rack Atwater reported no relevant financial disclosures.

For more information:

Atwater AR. FRM F007: Face to Face: Management of Facial Dermatoses. Allergic Contact Dermatitis of the Face. Presented at: American Academy of Dermatology Summer Academy Meeting 2013; July 31-Aug. 4, New York.