Mariska Fouche, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics says the company's allergy helpline has fielded dozens of calls in recent months from members of the public. "If you consider that the average cellphone user makes or receives an average of 22 phone calls a day and checks his or her phone every six and a half minutes, the prolonged exposure to nickel - a metal which is often used in cellphone buttons, headsets and LCD screen frames - can be the likely cause of the allergy.
"Nickel is one of the most common contact allergens. Even though there are not any statistics available for South Africa, experts suggest that figures are comparable with that of the UK, where 1 in 10 people suffer from a nickel allergy. Worldwide there has been an increase in the number of allergies reported, particularly among teenagers, who can easily spend half the day on their phones, texting, talking, checking Facebook, playing games and listening to music.
"Some might only get a small rash, which goes almost unnoticed, so it is likely that the increase in cellphone allergies is much higher than is actually being reported."
Usually the contact with other objects containing nickel, such as keys and coins are brief, so the allergy may not become immediately apparent. The risk, however, is increased by frequent and prolonged contact with nickel-containing items such as cellphones and jewellery for example.
Fouche notes that women are more likely than men are to develop the allergy because they were possibly sensitised earlier in life when they had their ears pierced, which can introduce nickel into the bloodstream.
"When the ear is pierced, an earring stud is left in the ear to keep the hole open until the skin around it heals. Since the piercing is an open wound, the nickel salts are able to enter the bloodstream and break down the body's natural resistance.
"The reason why so many people are susceptible to nickel allergies is because the metal dissolves in moisture, forming salts. For example, when someone sweats while speaking on a nickel-containing-cellphone, salts form and the skin becomes inflamed. Nickel is a strong irritant and repeated contact with it can weaken the body's resistance."
An allergic reaction to metals can be a highly irritating and even painful experience. Symptoms range from redness, itching, swelling, blistering, skin lesions to eczema and sometimes oozing or scarring may also occur. To alleviate symptoms, ask one's doctor or pharmacist for the most appropriate treatment, which may include an oral antihistamine or cortisone cream.
Tips for frequent cellphone users
For more information, go to www.allergyexpert.co.za.
