iPad Allergy linked to Skin Allergies, Nickel Reactions

It was recently determined that a young boy's severe skin allergy was the result of his direct contact with the metal nickel contained in the aluminum housing of his family's first-generation iPad.

The 11-year-old was initially treated with corticosteroid cream, and when that didn't alleviate his symptoms, his doctor had to look deeper to find the cause. 

According to the Boston Globe, researchers at the University of California of San Diego also contributed to this case and authored a report which was published in the medical journal Pediatrics.

The researchers recommend that the boy, and all others who might have a metal nickel skin allergy, should always use "the Smart Case, which provides overall coverage of the iPad." 

"Patients should be instructed to test the case or cover for nickel before purchase and to select one that is nickel-free," they continued.  

Apple released a statement on the incident and UC San Diego's findings, stating that their own research has "found that allergies like the one reported in this case are extremely rare. Apple products are made from the highest quality materials and meet the same strict standards set for jewelry by both the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commision and their counterparts in Europe."

Not exactly an apology, or even much in the way of empathy for that matter. 

And Apple's response might be all the more inadequate when considered within the context of recent research, which has concluded that approximately 16 percent of children have "some sensitivity to nickel," and that "about half of this group develops skin rashes from coming into contact with nickel," according to the Boston Globe. 

The bad news is that there is currently no way to tell which electronic products (like tablets and smartphones) contain nickel. Right now there is no federal law compelling tech manufacturers to list potential allergens contained in their products. 

The Mayo Clinic states that symptoms of a nickel allergy may include: rash or bumps on the skin, itchiness, dry or red areas or even blisters.

Treating an allergic reaction to nickel includes avoiding anything with nickel in it.

Often times "topical creams" containing corticosteroids and oral antihistamines may be employed to alleviate symptoms, reports the Globe.

Additional therapy can include oral steroids to be prescribed if and when a reaction to nickel is deemed severe or if rash caused by a reaction covers a large enough area.

It should be noted that oral steroids, like prednisone, can cause side effects including weight gain or increased likelihood of infection.