Comments on: "I'm allergic to my iPhone" http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:41:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Obviously http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816898 Obviously Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816898 This isn't terribly uncommon. I've got metal allergies as well. I can't tolerate any kind of jewelry without getting the same reddish rash. I first found out because the back of the buttons on my jeans were creating a rash on my stomach. I also have to wear watches with their backing covered up (usually velcro bands take care of this). Thankfully I wasn't planning in a million years to buy an iPhone or iPad. This isn’t terribly uncommon. I’ve got metal allergies as well. I can’t tolerate any kind of jewelry without getting the same reddish rash. I first found out because the back of the buttons on my jeans were creating a rash on my stomach. I also have to wear watches with their backing covered up (usually velcro bands take care of this).

Thankfully I wasn’t planning in a million years to buy an iPhone or iPad.

]]> By: Alex_M http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816914 Alex_M Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816914 Yeah, nickel allergies are a fairly well-known phenomenon. Yeah, nickel allergies are a fairly well-known phenomenon.

]]> By: Absent http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816923 Absent Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816923 I have a nickel allery in my right arm. Oddly just my right arm. Left arm, fine, everywhere else fine. Just my right arm. I have a nickel allery in my right arm. Oddly just my right arm. Left arm, fine, everywhere else fine. Just my right arm.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-817182 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-817182 Solution: acquire laptop and mobile phone with non-metallic casings? Solution: acquire laptop and mobile phone with non-metallic casings?

]]> By: Snig http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816683 Snig Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816683 They still make wooden ipods and computers, relics from the steampunk days. The inner workings still likely have nickels or whichever, but may let him handle with less issues. http://www.flickr.com/photos/zapwizard/sets/476089/ http://blogga.ru/2005/09/12/wooden_comp/ They still make wooden ipods and computers, relics from the steampunk days. The inner workings still likely have nickels or whichever, but may let him handle with less issues.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zapwizard/sets/476089/

http://blogga.ru/2005/09/12/wooden_comp/

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816685 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816685 My family has a genetic predisposition for this condition -- both my sisters and my mother react to metal (stainless steel mostly, the offender is supposedly nickel) I can wear a metal-backed watch or similar for a day or two, but by the end of the week I have a rash. I once worked in fast food, but had to quit because of the stainless-steel work surfaces. It is quite common. If Jake minimises his exposure on a daily basis, he should (after a while) be able to tolerate a fleeting contact with no ill-effect. My family has a genetic predisposition for this condition — both my sisters and my mother react to metal (stainless steel mostly, the offender is supposedly nickel)

I can wear a metal-backed watch or similar for a day or two, but by the end of the week I have a rash. I once worked in fast food, but had to quit because of the stainless-steel work surfaces.

It is quite common. If Jake minimises his exposure on a daily basis, he should (after a while) be able to tolerate a fleeting contact with no ill-effect.

]]> By: apoxia http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816944 apoxia Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816944 I have a nickel allergy, as does my mother. She thinks she sensitized herself by wearing a pair of cheap metal earrings for around a year. Now she can't wear stainless steel, neither can I. I can't wear it around my neck (i.e. a chain), on my wrists or in my ears or I get red itchy dermatitis that responds nicely to hydocortisone cream. Luckily all my electronies are plastic. I'd never thought of computers and such causing a reaction. I have a nickel allergy, as does my mother. She thinks she sensitized herself by wearing a pair of cheap metal earrings for around a year. Now she can’t wear stainless steel, neither can I. I can’t wear it around my neck (i.e. a chain), on my wrists or in my ears or I get red itchy dermatitis that responds nicely to hydocortisone cream. Luckily all my electronies are plastic. I’d never thought of computers and such causing a reaction.

]]> By: aplusbi http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816689 aplusbi Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816689 A silver bullet is way cheaper than an iPhone. A silver bullet is way cheaper than an iPhone.

]]> By: Patrick Dodds http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816946 Patrick Dodds Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816946 "I consider this a low blow shot at Apple." Is it possible to write anything, anything at all, that is even slightly critical of Apple or their products, and not have a fanboy posset a little on the comment thread? “I consider this a low blow shot at Apple.”

Is it possible to write anything, anything at all, that is even slightly critical of Apple or their products, and not have a fanboy posset a little on the comment thread?

]]> By: WaylonWillie http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816693 WaylonWillie Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816693 Not to worry, sometimes this happens as the borg becomes fully integrated with your body. You will be assimilated soon, and the problem will not reoccur. Not to worry, sometimes this happens as the borg becomes fully integrated with your body. You will be assimilated soon, and the problem will not reoccur.

]]> By: ryanrafferty http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816694 ryanrafferty Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816694 I actually have had a similar sort of issue with ipods... my fingers would break out in some sort of itchy little boils... They went away over time, but it was directly connected to a new iPod or iPhone as they only reappeared only after the new purchase... maybe it was money burning in my hands syndrome, or perhaps it's some kind of bacteria or reaction to a cleaning chemical or perhaps little microscopic pieces of something are getting in my skin... I don't know! I actually have had a similar sort of issue with ipods… my fingers would break out in some sort of itchy little boils… They went away over time, but it was directly connected to a new iPod or iPhone as they only reappeared only after the new purchase… maybe it was money burning in my hands syndrome, or perhaps it’s some kind of bacteria or reaction to a cleaning chemical or perhaps little microscopic pieces of something are getting in my skin… I don’t know!

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816695 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816695 I might be the exact opposite of Jake. Or I'm half alien. Whatever the reason, I dissolve MacBooks (and, incidentally, the older PowerBooks). It must be a mixture of rubbing and my sweaty palms... http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vzRG1OKjaXwgTEpnDcHZHw?feat=directlink shows the result. Deep pits in the metal. I might be the exact opposite of Jake. Or I’m half alien. Whatever the reason, I dissolve MacBooks (and, incidentally, the older PowerBooks). It must be a mixture of rubbing and my sweaty palms…

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vzRG1OKjaXwgTEpnDcHZHw?feat=directlink shows the result. Deep pits in the metal.

]]> By: ryanrafferty http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816697 ryanrafferty Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816697 Oh and I also should add, I had suspected it had something to do with the pieces of metal, especially near the seams, because the places where I had these little boils were places where my skin was touching the phone- which happened to be at the seams where the metal meets the plastic... Oh and I also should add, I had suspected it had something to do with the pieces of metal, especially near the seams, because the places where I had these little boils were places where my skin was touching the phone- which happened to be at the seams where the metal meets the plastic…

]]> By: moretikiplease http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816699 moretikiplease Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816699 Jake - what you seem to be experiencing is a systemic reaction, and the rash you have on the hands and feet is classic hives. The actual cause of the hives is one of the most difficult medical conditions to figure out, as the body's reactions are incredibly complex. It is best not to try to figure out a cause, but simply treat the condition. I suffered many years of hives just like yours on the hands and feet, sometimes my chest and face too. What eventually cured me was very high doses (doctor prescribed) of fexofenadine, a powerful antihistamine (non-drowsy). Other than slightly raising my blood pressure and heart rate, there were no other side effects. I also carry with me a full course of prednisone in case I get a severe allergic reaction that doesn't respond quickly enough with the fexofenadine. Prednisone does have side effects and cannot be taken continuously. But when I do need it, it completely turns off any allergic reactions. Good luck! Jake – what you seem to be experiencing is a systemic reaction, and the rash you have on the hands and feet is classic hives. The actual cause of the hives is one of the most difficult medical conditions to figure out, as the body’s reactions are incredibly complex. It is best not to try to figure out a cause, but simply treat the condition. I suffered many years of hives just like yours on the hands and feet, sometimes my chest and face too. What eventually cured me was very high doses (doctor prescribed) of fexofenadine, a powerful antihistamine (non-drowsy). Other than slightly raising my blood pressure and heart rate, there were no other side effects. I also carry with me a full course of prednisone in case I get a severe allergic reaction that doesn’t respond quickly enough with the fexofenadine. Prednisone does have side effects and cannot be taken continuously. But when I do need it, it completely turns off any allergic reactions. Good luck!

]]> By: signsofrain http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816704 signsofrain Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816704 MacBook Pros are notorious for 'hot' cases. That is to say cases which shock you when you touch them. When I was repairing macs we had a lot of people bring in Macbook Pros complaining of unpleasant buzzing sensations in their hands and wrists. Some described the sensation as burning, others as sharp pinpricks. The solution was to stick a piece of paper between the top case and the top of the logic board. This seemed to do the trick of insulating the metal of the top case from whatever charged contact on the logic board it was touching. Not exactly related to metal allergies, but related to Apple products that hurt you. MacBook Pros are notorious for ‘hot’ cases. That is to say cases which shock you when you touch them. When I was repairing macs we had a lot of people bring in Macbook Pros complaining of unpleasant buzzing sensations in their hands and wrists. Some described the sensation as burning, others as sharp pinpricks. The solution was to stick a piece of paper between the top case and the top of the logic board. This seemed to do the trick of insulating the metal of the top case from whatever charged contact on the logic board it was touching. Not exactly related to metal allergies, but related to Apple products that hurt you.

]]> By: zootboing http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-817216 zootboing Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-817216 Something you might want to try: www.naet.com I was raised by hard core scientists, and a pre-med student when I suddenly came down with allergies to EVERYTHING (seriously- couldn't even shop in a mall) and ended up trying all sorts of alternative treatments when regular western doctors just told me to "learn to live with it" (translation: stop bugging me, go home and die already.). Anyway, I ran across this treatment for allergies, and it helped me a lot. They see all kinds of odd acquired allergies, especially ones to do with electronics. Give it a try! Something you might want to try: http://www.naet.com
I was raised by hard core scientists, and a pre-med student when I suddenly came down with allergies to EVERYTHING (seriously- couldn’t even shop in a mall) and ended up trying all sorts of alternative treatments when regular western doctors just told me to “learn to live with it” (translation: stop bugging me, go home and die already.).
Anyway, I ran across this treatment for allergies, and it helped me a lot. They see all kinds of odd acquired allergies, especially ones to do with electronics. Give it a try!

]]> By: Pixel http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816709 Pixel Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816709 I know someone with a nickel allergy, and it is sometimes a royal pain for her. She has to be careful what jewelry she buys, and has to coat the insides of metal snaps, rivets, etc. in her clothes with clear nail polish to avoid them contacting her skin. The worst though is that the reaction isn't always immediate. Sometimes she'll be in contact with something with nickel in it with no issue. Then a day or two later some other allergen (pollen, dust, etc.) will trigger a histamine reaction and the spot that was in contact with nickel will get inflamed and itchy as well. I know someone with a nickel allergy, and it is sometimes a royal pain for her. She has to be careful what jewelry she buys, and has to coat the insides of metal snaps, rivets, etc. in her clothes with clear nail polish to avoid them contacting her skin.

The worst though is that the reaction isn’t always immediate. Sometimes she’ll be in contact with something with nickel in it with no issue. Then a day or two later some other allergen (pollen, dust, etc.) will trigger a histamine reaction and the spot that was in contact with nickel will get inflamed and itchy as well.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816717 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816717 I may have a solution for your phone. On cars, there is a clear urethane film they use behind wheels and other places to prevent stone chips. It comes in pre-form shapes and sheets and has an adhesive back. It is crystal clear and can barely be spotted. I use it on my watch crystals to prevent scratches. Even my jeweler didn't spot it when he worked on the watch. You can cut a narrow piece with scissors to cover the metal, it should not affect the phone or antenna. You may need to razor out spots for switches, etc.. but it will keep the metal from your hand. Check with an autobody supplier for this material. I may have a solution for your phone. On cars, there is a clear urethane film they use behind wheels and other places to prevent stone chips. It comes in pre-form shapes and sheets and has an adhesive back. It is crystal clear and can barely be spotted. I use it on my watch crystals to prevent scratches. Even my jeweler didn’t spot it when he worked on the watch. You can cut a narrow piece with scissors to cover the metal, it should not affect the phone or antenna. You may need to razor out spots for switches, etc.. but it will keep the metal from your hand. Check with an autobody supplier for this material.

]]> By: jemather http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816730 jemather Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816730 I had the same problem with my Macbook Pro, which got worse over the four years I used it in grad school. I also got a strange black pitting all over the main surface of the computer, despite being very careful to never wear a watch or jewelry or anything that might scratch the case. Somewhere I read some speculation that these two issues were frequently related, but I solved both problems by buying a plastic surface protector. I had the same problem with my Macbook Pro, which got worse over the four years I used it in grad school. I also got a strange black pitting all over the main surface of the computer, despite being very careful to never wear a watch or jewelry or anything that might scratch the case. Somewhere I read some speculation that these two issues were frequently related, but I solved both problems by buying a plastic surface protector.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816732 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816732 The only metal I've heard of causing an allergic reaction is nickle. Nickle is used as an alloy in stainless steel The only metal I’ve heard of causing an allergic reaction is nickle. Nickle is used as an alloy in stainless steel

]]> By: JerryR http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816735 JerryR Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816735 To add a random, allergy-related anecdote: I discovered that I'm allergic to the SAT (specifically the newsprint upon which it was printed) in high school. Shortly into the test, my arms were covered in itchy, red splotches where they rested on the test booklet. It wasn't too surprising as I'm mildly allergic to just about everything. Mostly amused that I was "allergic to the SAT", I informed the moderator during the break. She suggested that I apply to take the test untimed due to my "disability". I did not take them up on that offer as spending even more time with the SAT seemed neither fun nor the proper solution to my problem. To add a random, allergy-related anecdote: I discovered that I’m allergic to the SAT (specifically the newsprint upon which it was printed) in high school. Shortly into the test, my arms were covered in itchy, red splotches where they rested on the test booklet. It wasn’t too surprising as I’m mildly allergic to just about everything. Mostly amused that I was “allergic to the SAT”, I informed the moderator during the break. She suggested that I apply to take the test untimed due to my “disability”. I did not take them up on that offer as spending even more time with the SAT seemed neither fun nor the proper solution to my problem.

]]> By: TheGZeus http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816736 TheGZeus Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816736 I find it humourous that Apple people will continue to use products that cause them PHYSICAL HARM. Like digital Christian Scientists... I find it humourous that Apple people will continue to use products that cause them PHYSICAL HARM.

Like digital Christian Scientists…

]]> By: Ito Kagehisa http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816992 Ito Kagehisa Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816992 <blockquote>Is it possible to write anything, anything at all, that is even slightly critical of Apple or their products, and not have a fanboy posset a little on the comment thread?</blockquote> No, no it is not possible. I personally did not see this as any sort of indictment of Apple. I thought Lisa was showing us that some people are so hypnotized by marketing that they will use well-marketed products even if they are being poisoned by them. This doesn't seem to be an Apple problem, but rather This Particular Apple User's problem.

Is it possible to write anything, anything at all, that is even slightly critical of Apple or their products, and not have a fanboy posset a little on the comment thread?

No, no it is not possible.

I personally did not see this as any sort of indictment of Apple. I thought Lisa was showing us that some people are so hypnotized by marketing that they will use well-marketed products even if they are being poisoned by them. This doesn’t seem to be an Apple problem, but rather This Particular Apple User’s problem.

]]> By: lasttide http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816738 lasttide Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816738 Has he considered maybe, just MAYBE, buying a different phone and laptop? Non-Apple companies do exist, and writers ARE permitted to buy and use their products (despite all the evidence to the contrary). Has he considered maybe, just MAYBE, buying a different phone and laptop? Non-Apple companies do exist, and writers ARE permitted to buy and use their products (despite all the evidence to the contrary).

]]> By: Scixual http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816997 Scixual Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816997 You are reading a different article from the one printed here. The pronoun in the headline makes a difference: "my iPhone". The article is not about being allergic to apple products, its about an allergy that includes these two apple products that he actually still continues to use. If anything, it is a good testimony that he continues to use them in spite of this. You are reading a different article from the one printed here.

The pronoun in the headline makes a difference: “my iPhone”.

The article is not about being allergic to apple products, its about an allergy that includes these two apple products that he actually still continues to use.

If anything, it is a good testimony that he continues to use them in spite of this.

]]> By: GetItOffMe http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-817253 GetItOffMe Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-817253 The ThinkPad I'm typing this on at the moment has an all-plastic exterior, except for the hinges. The ThinkPad I’m typing this on at the moment has an all-plastic exterior, except for the hinges.

]]> By: TheGZeus http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816998 TheGZeus Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816998 Oh, god. Know how many people have been shown to be hypersensitive to electronics in scientific trials? None. Know how many people claim to have been cured by a placebo?... Oh, god.
Know how many people have been shown to be hypersensitive to electronics in scientific trials?
None.

Know how many people claim to have been cured by a placebo?…

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816743 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816743 Try getting a Palm Pre. All plastic and quite nice. Try getting a Palm Pre. All plastic and quite nice.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816744 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816744 I am not a doctor; just one who has seen many doctors. and acupuncturists, body workers, energy healers, witch doctors, voodoo medicine men, shamen, religious nuts, etc. No, I'm not addicted to medical attention, I simply went through chemotherapy and radiation (high doses of each) for a stage IVb cancer that was cured although now I seem to be suffering from the "cure". That was all a disclaimer to perhaps lend a tiny bit of credence to this one (possibly helpful, possibly way off the mark) suggestion: detoxify. The statement "once your body decides it's allergic..." makes me think this may have an accumulative component to it. Perhaps this only starts after enough build up remains in the body. There'd be absolutely no risk in trying to detoxify any residual nickel, heavy-metals, plastic coating, etc. that *may* (again not a doctor) be residing in the body and causing this sensitivity-type condition... Only sharing as it seems people don't want to take ownership of their own health anymore and keep looking for a "magic bullet" (pun intended) to be delivered by the all-knowing doctors (they only went to school for a decade or so); it also seems people would rather complain about something exotic and secretly enjoy the suffering and not really want it to go away lest they lose their chance to be special. Not observing that here, just venting from some cases I've seen before - and to possibly poke some trolls. No, I'm not a troll, I'm a dwarf... as always, beware the dwarf... I do hope everybody finds relief from their own individual suffering, and more than that, shares their stories so others don't have to suffer as much or as long. be well. may the incredulity commence... I am not a doctor; just one who has seen many doctors. and acupuncturists, body workers, energy healers, witch doctors, voodoo medicine men, shamen, religious nuts, etc. No, I’m not addicted to medical attention, I simply went through chemotherapy and radiation (high doses of each) for a stage IVb cancer that was cured although now I seem to be suffering from the “cure”. That was all a disclaimer to perhaps lend a tiny bit of credence to this one (possibly helpful, possibly way off the mark) suggestion: detoxify. The statement “once your body decides it’s allergic…” makes me think this may have an accumulative component to it. Perhaps this only starts after enough build up remains in the body. There’d be absolutely no risk in trying to detoxify any residual nickel, heavy-metals, plastic coating, etc. that *may* (again not a doctor) be residing in the body and causing this sensitivity-type condition… Only sharing as it seems people don’t want to take ownership of their own health anymore and keep looking for a “magic bullet” (pun intended) to be delivered by the all-knowing doctors (they only went to school for a decade or so); it also seems people would rather complain about something exotic and secretly enjoy the suffering and not really want it to go away lest they lose their chance to be special. Not observing that here, just venting from some cases I’ve seen before – and to possibly poke some trolls. No, I’m not a troll, I’m a dwarf… as always, beware the dwarf… I do hope everybody finds relief from their own individual suffering, and more than that, shares their stories so others don’t have to suffer as much or as long. be well. may the incredulity commence…

]]> By: Tom Fury http://boingboing.net/2010/06/23/im-allergic-to-my-ip.html#comment-816745 Tom Fury Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-816745 Forgive me for going a little off topic (and probably not knowing what I'm talking about to boot), but isn't there some sort taboo associated with metal chopsticks, like they're used to pick through the ashes of the creamated dead or something? Forgive me for going a little off topic (and probably not knowing what I’m talking about to boot), but isn’t there some sort taboo associated with metal chopsticks, like they’re used to pick through the ashes of the creamated dead or something?

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