Nickel-induced facial dermatitis: adolescents beware of the cell phone

Abstract

Recently an alarming increase in the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to nickel has been noted worldwide, with the majority of cases occurring in women and children. A known risk factor for the development of nickel sensitization is early and prolonged exposure to the allergen. Children frequently encounter nickel in many everyday objects, and it has become apparent that cell phones may constitute a substantial source of nickel exposure. We identified 3 patients with unilateral nickel-induced facial dermatitis elicited by cell phone use.