Skin experts have discovered a new disorder dubbed 'mobile phone dermatitis' which appears to be caused by spending long periods of time on the phone.

According to the British Association of Dermatologists, some people may develop an allergic reaction to the nickel surface of their mobile phone.

A number of published reports have now been documented in which patients were suffering from rashes on their face and ear - and the problem is expected to rise as more and more handsets are being made from nickel.

Dr Graham Lowe, a spokesman for the British Association of Dermatologists, explained: 'The allergy results from frequent skin contact with nickel-containing objects.

'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.'

He revealed that the problem could even affect the fingers of people who spend a lot of time sending text messages.

Mobile phones have also courted controversy due to their possible link with cancer.

However, according to the charity Cancer Research UK, the evidence so far shows that using a mobile phone does not increase your risk of any type of cancer.