RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—A new phenomenon called “mobile phone dermatitis” is being blamed for a growing number of rashes bubbling up on people’s faces, caused by allergic reactions to metal pieces found on some phones, the British Association of Dermatologists announced last Thursday. The group warned doctors to be on the lookout for the rashes that often break out on people’s cheek and ear areas from chatting on their cells.

THE DETAILS: The British dermatologists decided to warn doctors after the problem was identified in several published case reports. Earlier this year, a study out of Brown University looked at dorm residents’ popular cell phone models and found that nearly half contained free nickel. The suspect spots? Metallic frames around the LCD screen, menu buttons, and the speakerphone area on many models.

WHAT IT MEANS: The American Contact Dermatitis Society named nickel the 2008 “Allergen of the Year” because it irritates so many people. Women are more prone to develop the problem from cell phones; nearly 20% have previously sensitized themselves to the metal from nickel-coated jewelry. But anyone can develop the allergy at any point in life. If you get rashes from belt buckles, the metal button on your jeans, or from some types of jewelry, you should be especially careful when picking a cell phone because you’ve developed an allergy to the metal.

Here are some ways to avoid cell phone rash:

• Keep it simple. Fashion-forward phones tend to come with more metallic bling, so you may want to opt for simpler styles with less ornamentation when phone shopping.

• Don’t rely on labels. You won’t find out if a phone contains nickel, because labeling isn’t required in the United States. Instead, call or e-mail the manufacturer directly and ask what metals are used to make the exterior of the phone.

• Want to see for yourself? Then use a nickel testing kit to check a suspect phone. They’re available from online medical, pharmaceutical, and dermatology suppliers.

• Keep your distance. If you have an itch-producing phone you can’t get rid of, use the speakerphone or an earpiece to avoid direct face-to-phone contact. Keeping the phone at least 3 feet away from your body when you use it also reduces the radiation you’re exposed to.

• Be responsible. If you get rid of your old cell phone, recycle it, or (if it still works) donate it to a nonprofit group for reuse.