iPads And Other Devices Could Be Causing Itchy Body Rashes

Anyone suffering from an itchy, unexplained body rash should consider their iPad or other devices.

"Recent reports in medical journals detail nickel allergies from a variety of personal electronic devices, including laptops and cellphones. But it was an Apple iPad that caused an itchy body rash in an 11-year-old boy recently treated at a San Diego hospital, according to a report in Monday's Pediatrics," according to The Associated Press.

Nickel rashes are not life-threatening but can cause discomfort and might require treatment with steroids, and antibiotics if legions on the skin becomes infected, said Dr. Sharon Jacob, a dermatologist at Rady Children's Hospital, where the boy was treated. Jacob, who co-wrote the report, said the young patient had to miss school because of the rash. 

The boy in the report mentioned above was suffering from a common skin condition that causes scaly patches of skin. After treatment, a rash all over his body remained and testing revealed he was allergic to nickel. 

Doctors then traced the allergen's course to the boy's iPad, which he reportedly used daily. 

Once it was in a protective case, he got better.

Whether all iPad models and other Apple devices contain nickel is uncertain; Apple spokesman Chris Gaither said the company had no comment, according to The Associated Press.

Those allergic to nickel are most at risk of suffering from symptoms after exposure of over prolonged periods, According to an advisory about cellphones on the website of the Nickel Institute, a global association based in Toronto representing nickel producers.

Other common products that contain nickel include some jewelry, eyeglass frames and zippers. 

Jacob told The Associated Press that evidence suggests nickel allergies are become more common, or increasingly recognized. She cited national data showing that about 25 percent of children who get skin tests for allergies have nickel allergies, versus about 17 percent a decade ago.