Dermatitis in the digital age

GADGETS are now a part of the everyday routine for us.

- DR SAKTHI SARANYA PS

Tablets, phones, and laptops not only tend to affect the posture and sleep, but it also affects your skin.Skin problems can arise due to repeated exposure to blue light, heat, and friction. Studies show that phones are contaminated with microorganisms. And hence, phones, when repeatedly pressed against the face, can trigger or even worsen contact dermatitis and acne.

The common signs you will see when gadgets start affecting your skin:

■ Acne along the jaw line, chin, and cheek. These are called localised or mechanical acne, which comes from the phone repeatedly being in contact with the skin.

■ Recurrent itching, irritation, or erythema in repeated contact points such as behind the ear and cheek.

■ Worsening of rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis after a long period of usage with heat and sweat.