Nickel in iPad, other devices may cause rash

SAN DIEGO (KABC) -- If you have an unexplained skin rash, a new report suggests that your iPad may be to blame. Apparently the tablet computer may contain nickel, which is one of the most common allergy-inducing metals.

A boy in San Diego got an itchy rash and it was traced back to an Apple iPad that his family bought in 2010, according to a report in Monday's Pediatrics. Doctors tested the device and detected a chemical found in nickel in the iPad's outside coating. Doctors say the 11-year-old used the device daily.

It's unclear if all iPad models and other Apple devices contain nickel. Apple has not commented on the report.

But recent research finds nickel allergies can come from a variety of personal electronic devices, including laptops and cellphones. Nickel rashes also have been traced to other common products including some jewelry, eyeglass frames and zippers.

While nickel rashes aren't life-threatening, they can be very uncomfortable and may require treatment with antibiotics.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.