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| >> Media Section Below are press releases from September and October 2008. For any media queries, please contact Nina Goad, 0207 391 6355, nina@bad.org.uk To return to the main press release page, click here New skin disorder caused by mobile phones discovered, 16.10.08
A new phenomenon called “mobile phone dermatitis” has been discovered, in which people who spend long periods of time on their mobile phone develop an allergic reaction to the phone’s nickel surface. The problem was identified in several published case reports of patients with unexplained rashes on their face and ear. Closer investigation revealed that the reaction was caused by nickel in the mobile phone handsets, where it is often found in the casing or buttons, particularly in the most fashionable models. Now the British Association of Dermatologists is warning other doctors to be aware of the allergy, which is thought to be on the increase. Because the condition has only newly been identified, many cases may go unreported or untreated, which has prompted the scientists to share their findings. Nickel allergy is the most common contact allergy in the UK and is thought to affect 30 percent of the population, with a rising incidence.* Women have a higher risk of developing mobile phone dermatitis, as they are more likely to have been previously sensitised to the metal following an allergic reaction to nickel-coated jewellery. Dr Graham Lowe, from the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “The allergy results from frequent skin contact with nickel-containing objects. Prolonged or repetitive contact with a nickel-containing phone is more likely to cause a skin reaction in those who are allergic. If you have had a previous reaction to a nickel-coated belt-buckle or jewellery, for example, you are at greater risk of reacting to metal phones. “In mobile phone dermatitis, the rash would typically occur on the cheek or ear, depending on where the metal part of the phone comes into contact with the skin. In theory it could even occur on the fingers if you spend a lot of time texting on metal menu buttons. “It is worth doctors bearing this condition in mind if they see a patient with a rash on the cheek or ear that cannot otherwise be explained.” Dr Lionel Bercovitch, one of the study’s authors from Brown University, Rhode Island, said: “Nearly half of the phones we spot tested contained some free nickel. The menu buttons, decorative logos on the headsets and the metallic frames around the liquid crystal display (LCD) screens were the most common sites... Those with the more fashionable designs often have metallic accents and are more likely to contain free nickel in their casings. “Given the widespread use of cell phones, the presence of metal in the exterior casing of these phones and the high prevalence of nickel sensitization in the population, it is not surprising that cell phones can cause allergic contact dermatitis.” Several other cases have been reported, prompting the British Association of Dermatologists to share the research with other doctors. The association is advising anyone who develops a rash on their face which might be attributable to prolonged mobile phone use to seek advice from their doctor. * “Genetic Factors in Nickel Allergy”; Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2004) 123, xxiv–xxv; doi:10.1111/j.0022-202X.2004.23508.x; Veronique Bataille, Genetic Epidemiology and Twin Research Unit, St Thomas Hospital, London, UK The British Association of Dermatologists is the central association of practising UK dermatologists. Our aim is to continually improve the treatment and understanding of skin disease. Bacteria in spring water could hold key to eczema treatment For immediate release, Bacteria found in thermal spring water could help treat eczema when applied directly to the skin, new research in the British Journal of Dermatology will reveal. Atopic eczema is a common skin disorder that is often accompanied by allergies and hayfever, and affects one in 10 children. Atopic people have an overactive immune system and their skin easily becomes inflamed. Additionally their skin ‘barrier’ does not work well, so that their skin may become dry and prone to infection. ‘Vitreoscilla filiformis’ is a type of harmless (non-pathogenic) bacteria found in the water of sulphurous thermal springs, as can be found throughout 51 patients with mild or moderate atopic eczema were divided into two groups – one receiving treatment with the bacteria applied to the skin in a cream, and the other with a similar cream containing no bacteria, over a one month period. The researchers compared the patients by means of a clinical evaluation, the patients’ experiences of itching, and the presence of harmful (pathological) bacteria on the skin at the start of the study, after two weeks and again after four weeks. Using SCORAD, a clinical evaluation tool that scores how severe a person’s eczema is, they found that clinical symptoms improved significantly in the V. filiformis group only, and this improvement could be noticed as early as two weeks after the start of treatment. In contrast, no significant difference could be observed in the control group. The same was true for itching, which decreased significantly in the V. filiformis group, after just two weeks, compared to no significant improvement in the control group. Improvement of eczema lesions in the V. filiformis group was also detectable by visual inspection. While the control cream did not improve lesions, the eczema lesions in the V. filiformis group cleared or showed marked improvement. At the start of the study, a quarter of volunteer patients were found to have staphylococcus aureus on their skin, a bacterium that is commonly found in eczema patients and can cause skin infections. 12 percent were found to have Streptococci and/or E. coli on their skin. This is actually a low frequency of bacterial colonisation to start with, however, the levels reduced more significantly in the V. filiformis group than in the control group. After a month, S. aureus was reduced by 30 percent and Streptocci and E.coli by 15 percent in the V. filiformis group, compared to 12 percent and four percent respectively in the control group. Improved barrier function of the skin, measured according to water loss from the skin, was found equally in both groups and is thought to be due to the use of a cream alone, regardless of any bacterial content, which helps to moisturise the skin and keep it hydrated. Dr Tilo Biedermann, dermatologist at Eberhard Karls University Tübingen in As improvements were found in skin that was not colonised with harmful bacteria, it is thought that its effects are not purely antimicrobial (fighting harmful bacteria). The researchers believe that V. filiformis contains compounds that regulate the immune system. “The improvement demonstrated in our study may be in part due to reduction of S. aureus, but seems to relate in most parts to a direct effect on skin-associated immune responses”, Dr Biedermann added. The study was short term, but if the results are confirmed and consistent over a longer time, this may have direct clinical relevance. Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists said: “Dermatologists are at the forefront of eczema treatment and, if further studies suggest that this bacterium does indeed provide clinical results, would welcome the potential for new topical treatments to help combat this distressing disease.” Non-pathogenic bacteria are already used to confer health benefits. One popular form is pro-biotics, live microorganisms which are thought to offer health benefits when ingested and are used as oral supplements to support gut health. -Ends- Notes to editors: If using this For more Images showing the contrast between the two groups are available – please email nina@bad.org.uk or call 0207 391 6355. Image shows effects of Vitreoscilla filiformis on atopic eczema. Photographs of identical areas of three different and representative patients treated with placebo (A) or V. filiformis (B) are shown before and on day 29 of treatment. Articles in the BJD can be viewed online: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/BJD Study details: British Journal of Dermatology, estimated publication date October 2008, “Effects of nonpathogenic gram-negative bacterium Vitreoscilla filiformis lysate on atopic dermatitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study” ; A. Gueniche, B. Knaudt*, E. Schuck*, T. Volz*, P. Bastien, R. Martin, M. Röcken*, L. Breton and T. Biedermann*; L’Oréal Recherche,
Research questions inequality of skin cancer monitoring for transplant patients For immediate release, Kidney transplant patients, one of the most at-risk groups for skin cancer, are not being sufficiently educated or monitored for the disease, according to new research. Kidney transplant recipients are three times more likely to develop skin cancer than people who have not received a transplant. 30 percent of A study due to be released in the British Journal of Dermatology next month surveyed 56 UK centres, treating 82 percent of the population’s kidney transplant recipients, to see how many offered routine screening for skin cancer and what level of education was provided to patients about the disease. The same survey was conducted in The researchers, based in Of 81 percent of the One possible explanation provided by the researchers is the higher availability of dermatology services in According to NICE guidance on skin cancer*, “patients should be educated about primary prevention of skin cancers”, however five percent of The majority of education was delivered verbally – only 46 percent offered written However, the study found significant improvements in services when compared to the results of the same survey carried out six years previously. While 66 percent of This improvement may be in part due to the inclusion of skin cancer services for transplant patients in the 2006 NICE guidance on skin cancer*, which states: “At present there is a paucity of services at regional and supraregional level that specialise in the care of high-risk or special groups, for example transplant patients… A survey of transplant physicians reported that closely integrated and well-coordinated specialist clinics for dermatological management of transplant patients are highly effective…. It is likely that there will be a need for a transplant patient skin clinic to be established in each of the existing 28 transplant units in Dr “This survey suggests that there has been a substantial increase in the access to skin cancer surveillance since 2000. It is of concern, however, that one third of “A range of indices have been created to define those at highest risk, including previous history of skin cancer, duration of immunosuppression, eye colour and skin type. The development and application of these could allow for targeting of surveillance programmes to those at highest risk. This may prove more acceptable and affordable than offering routine surveillance to all.” “Routine screening should either be undertaken by or supervised by a dermatologist, ideally in a special transplant patient skin clinic. The current lack of training for this role is of concern. “All screening should be of the whole body – partial skin checks of visible skin could miss areas that patients find hard to check themselves, for example the back. “While costs and staffing are obvious factors in the availability of screening services, and resources are needed to implement NICE guidance, education can be provided with very little expense. For example, the British Association of Dermatologists produces “It is, however, encouraging that there has been a significant improvement in the availability of these services, and hopefully this expansion will continue.” Key findings: • Only 66% of centres managing RTRs provide annual skin cancer surveillance, In contrast, 97% of centres in • Of centres offering surveillance, only 59% offer full skin examination (39% overall). However, 20% of non-melanoma in UK RTR’s arise on body sites covered by clothes. • 81% of the • 5% of centres are failing to provide pre-transplant or post-transplant education on skin cancer risk and prevention. • The majority of education was delivered verbally – only 46% offered written • The study’s positive findings are that 66% of -Ends- Notes to editors: *National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence “Improving Outcomes for People with Skin Tumours including Melanoma”, February 2006. If using this For more Articles in the BJD can be viewed online: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/BJD Study details: British Journal of Dermatology, estimated publication date October 2008, “Skin cancer surveillance in renal transplant recipients: re-evaluation of The British Association of Dermatologists is the central association of practising Blackwell Publishing is a leading society publisher, partnering with 665 medical, academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 800 journals and has over 6,000 books in print. In February 2007, Blackwell Publishing officially merged with John Wiley & Sons, Inc's Scientific, Technical and |
