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Nickel allergy and the iphone 6

I have had an iphone 5 for 2 years and never had any problems with it. Most of the time I had it savely tucked in a case, but especially the first weeks I had used it a lot bare handed and without any protection. While I have been diagnosed with a nickel allergy for years and develop easily rash when exposed to nickel I never had a problem with my black iphone 5.

About a week ago i received my new iphone 6. Space grey, because there isnt a black one. The first evening I used the device naked. Aware of my clumsyness and the fact that I dont really like the feel of the new material I bought a flip case the next morning. When I looked into the mirror I saw that I was developing eczemes in the face (eyes, forehead, ears and chin), on my lower arms and around the shoulders/lower back. All places I touch regulary and often. At first I thought it might not be a big deal, maybe I ate something bad and itll go away. However, the rash is getting worse and worse and while I was trying too figure out what it could cause (using my iphone to search the web) when it suddenly occured to me. I had heard that Ipads can cause such reactions, but since I never had problems with the old phones so I didnt consider it. After all, I am using a case which covers the back of the iphone and the sides.

Apparently my love for apples latest product is pretty much one sided. I am certain that I cant be the only one here with a nickel allergy. Could it be that the space grey colour was a bad choice and the silver/golden one would have been better since they have less nickel in their paint? Where can I contact apple to make them aware of the problem? Would it be possible to exchange my space grey iphone for another colour if those are less

I am a huge fan of the apple watch too, up to now I hoped that nickel wouldnt be an issue there, apparently apple still doesnt consider one of the most common allergies on the world and doesnt produce allergy friendly products. :/

iPhone 6, iOS 8.1.1

Posted on Nov 21, 2014 9:22 PM

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46 replies

Jan 25, 2015 9:08 AM in response to petermac87

I'm not sure I've read any research on alloys used in phone manufacturing, at least in detail. The only thing Apple states is "anodized aluminum" which doesn't say much about the components. I have the same concerns about the Apple Watch and it's not just the metal alloys, I'm also allergic to the plastic that was used in the Fitbit bands that no one has adequately explained as of yet. I don't want to drop a bunch of money only to find out it's going to turn my arm red and kill my skin.

Jan 25, 2015 10:30 AM in response to petermac87

I'm not sure I understand your reply. My point was, there is no way to "research" the phone to see if it's going to cause an allergic response. Apple is notoriously secretive about everything, they won't reveal components so I sincerely doubt they'll release anything about what the components are made of, making the comment of "Do some proper research on different model phones to avoid your allergy" not applicable.

Jan 25, 2015 10:33 AM in response to wvpowers

wvpowers wrote:


I'm not sure I've read any research on alloys used in phone manufacturing, at least in detail. The only thing Apple states is "anodized aluminum" which doesn't say much about the components. I have the same concerns about the Apple Watch and it's not just the metal alloys, I'm also allergic to the plastic that was used in the Fitbit bands that no one has adequately explained as of yet. I don't want to drop a bunch of money only to find out it's going to turn my arm red and kill my skin.

If you believe you have an allergy the only logical course is to see an allergist and determine what it is specifically that you are allergic to. While this thread is about nickel allergies, which are common, whatever reaction the posters to this thread have it isn't a nickel allergy, as there is no exposed nickel on an iPhone. there's no logical reason to use nickel; it's heavier and more expensive than aluminum. Other than Nickel metal allergies are exceedingly rare.


Anodized aluminum is simply aluminum that has a layer of aluminum oxide on it as a protectant.


Regarding the watch, the only way to find out is to buy one and try it. If you get a reaction to it then return it, as you would with any product that didn't meet your needs.

May 18, 2015 6:08 PM in response to LoniLin

All the answers on here regarding general allergy issues are irrelevant, people who have allergies know triggers and don't need such advice.


I have had pretty bad allergies for years but was fine in the last 3 years until I bought my iPhone6.


I had instant allergic reactions on different parts of my body. Strange thing is that I am using it with an iPhone leather case.


Now I never had those issues before with an iPhone 5 or 4 so I am also thinking they must be using some chemical or material that people react to

and its not necessarily contact related since as I said I am using a heavy leather case? Maybe in the Glass?


Anyway I sold my iPhone6 and am going back to an iPhone5 , but this is something Apple seriously needs to look into.

May 24, 2015 2:01 PM in response to dasmeer

User uploaded file

I went to a dermatologist who took a biopsy (note the black dot) and determined that I have a contact dermatitis to something that I put against my face. Guess what? It is completely gone now, but I can only talk on speaker phone or with my ear buds. The slightest touch to my cheek and it comes back. This thread has been helpful, as perhaps I will go back to the iPhone 5 or even try a different 6??? Thoughts?

May 24, 2015 4:38 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

It could also be that the iPhone6 outgases chemicals, in particular when it is getting hot while you make a call.

e.g. if they have used a new chemical for the circuit board production or a new glue to stick components together inside.


Outgassing is a comon reason for fabric allergies, where chemicals from the production process are trapped in the fibre.

Nickel allergy and the iphone 6

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