Nickel in phones can lead to skin problems

Skin specialists are reporting a new phenomenon they are dubbing 'mobile phone dermatitis' where metals used in the phone handset is irritating the skin on the face.

Around one third of people are sensitive to nickel which is used extensively in mobile phone handsets, including the buttons and the surround of the screen.

All doctors should be alert that these people are at risk of developing dermatitis on their face if they use their phone regularly, the British Association of Dermatologists has said.

The skin can become red, inflammed, blistered, dry and cracked in these cases.