Most people have heard of allergies to peanuts and pollen, but here's an allergy that may shock you: an 11-year-old boy had an allergic reaction to a first generation iPad.
The old iPad (released way back in 2010) contained Nickel, which is a common allergy and can also be found in cellphones and computers. The boy had a severe rash for several months and after dermatologists figured out what it was, the rash improved, according to a study released this week by the American Academy of Pediatrics. A cover was placed on the iPad to reduce contact with the metal.
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A nickel allergy isn't life threatening, but can be annoying and uncomfortable. The boy in the study had a rash that spread all over his body and according to news reports, had to miss school. Nickel is the most common cause of contact dermatitis–a rash that develops after touching something, according to the Mayo Clinic. Nickel can be found in earrings, eyeglass frames and zippers.
The 11-year-old boy in the study used the iPad daily. An Apple spokesperson did not say if any other devices contained metal, but did say that their products meet the same standards that are set for jewelry by the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission, according to news reports. Meanwhile, Microsoft's spokeswoman declined to talk about whether or not their products contain nickel.
Nickel allergy symptoms include "rash or bumps on the skin, itching, which may be severe, redness or changes in skin color, dry patches of skin that may resemble a burn, blisters and draining fluid in severe cases," according to the Mayo Clinic.
About 40 million Americans have indoor/outdoor allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Image via Corbis Images
