Could your iPad be giving you a rash? Users break out in bizarre skin complaint #IRepEntertain9jarBlog #TwitterTrendBlog via @myentertain9jar

TOO much screen-time has long been known to affect the eyes, but now it seems it could be causing a bizarre skin complaint too.

 

Reports of iPads containing allergenic nickel[Getty]

There have been reports of iPad users who have broken out in a rash, because of the nickel contained within the touch-screen gadgets.

Other devices like laptops and mobile phones are also thought to contain the substance, which is one of the metals most likely to induce an allergic reaction in users. 

A recent report in a medical journal describes nickel allergies from a variety of personal electronic devices. But perhaps the strongest reaction has been in an 11-year-old boy who was recently treated for an itchy body rash after using an Apple iPad. 

According to dermatologist Dr Sharon Jacob, who co-wrote the report and who works at Rady Children's Hospital where the boy was treated, nickel rashes are not life threatening. They can, however, be very uncomfortable and may require treatment with steroids and antibiotics if the skin eruptions become infected.

The boy had a common skin condition that causes scaly patches, but he developed a different rash all over his body that didn't respond to usual treatment. Skin testing showed he had a nickel allergy, and doctors traced it to an iPad his family had bought in 2010. 

Doctors tested the device and detected a chemical compound found in nickel in the iPad's outside coating. 

Some iPad users have broken out in a strange rash [AP]

"He used the iPad daily," said Dr Jacob. 

He subsequently put the tablet computer into a protective case, which helped his condition to improve. 

It is unclear whether all models of the popular Apple device contain the metallic allergen. Apple spokesman Chris Gaither said the company had no comment. 

Nickel rashes have also been traced to other common products including some jewellery, zips and glasses frames.

Indeed such allergies are either becoming more common or increasingly recognised, according to Dr Jacob. She advised doctors to consider electronic devices as potential sources when patients seek treatment for skin rashes.