What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Contact Dermatitis due to Computer Mouse
• Contact Dermatitis due to Computer Mouse Pad

What is Computer Mouse Dermatitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Computer Mouse Dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis that develops from prolonged use of a computer mouse or computer mouse pad. This skin condition occurs from exposure to allergens or irritants in the computer mouse. The condition may be described as a ‘modern’ occupational hazard
• Contact dermatitis is a condition characterized by skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes in direct contact with substances that cause irritation or allergy to the skin. A chronic use of computer mouse may result in irritant contact dermatitis (more commonly) or allergic contact dermatitis (rarely)
• Computer Mouse Dermatitis gets better on stopping usage of the computer mouse. If necessary, symptomatic therapy may be considered for the skin signs and symptoms. The outcomes are good with adequate management of the condition, but it may recur

Who gets Computer Mouse Dermatitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Any individual using a computer mouse and/or mouse pad may be prone to Computer Mouse Dermatitis. The condition may occur in both children and adults
• Both males and females are affected
• Worldwide, there is no racial or ethnic preference observed

What are the Risk Factors for Computer Mouse Dermatitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Computer Mouse Dermatitis include:

• Prolonged contact or chronic use of a computer mouse and/or mouse pad can increase one’s risk for the condition
• Presence of preexistent skin conditions such as atopic eczema or hand dermatitis
• Excessive sweating
• The shape, design, and materials of the mouse

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Computer Mouse Dermatitis? (Etiology)

Computer Mouse Dermatitis is caused from many hours of computer work that involves the use a mouse and/or a mouse pad. This may be due to allergens or irritants associated with the device or pad.

• The allergens are plastic and rubber materials used in the mouse/mouse pad, such as phthalates, resorcinol monobenzoate, and neoprene rubber (for mouse pads). A short-term exposure to such allergens may induce the condition
• The irritants may be in the form of pressure and friction causing heat in the skin area of contact, or sweating. Many cases of Computer Mouse Dermatitis are of the irritant form, which develop from long-term hand contact with the computer mouse/mouse pad
• Individuals with certain underlying skin conditions, such as hand dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, have an increased risk for Computer Mouse Dermatitis

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Computer Mouse Dermatitis?

The signs and symptoms of Computer Mouse Dermatitis may depend on whether the condition is irritant-induced or allergen-induced. The condition is typically unilateral - affecting only the hand that is used for holding or operating the mouse.

The signs and symptoms may include:

• Irritant contact dermatitis: It is the most common form and may result in the following presentations
  • Red rashes and dry skin lesions
  • Scale formation or thickening of skin
  • Thick skin may cause callus formation
  • The affected regions may include the finger tips, base of the fingers (metacarpophalangeal joints), raised portion of the palms (thenar and hypothenar eminences) or on the wrist (at the base of the palm)
• Allergic contact dermatitis: It is generally rare from a mouse/mouse pad, but may result in localized skin rashes that may present itching and other signs

How is Computer Mouse Dermatitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Computer Mouse Dermatitis may involve the following exams and procedures:

• Physical examination of the individual and medical history evaluation; a history of computer mouse usage is essential in establishing a diagnosis
• Dermoscopy: Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin patch test for detecting the allergens
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Computer Mouse Dermatitis?

The possible complications due to Computer Mouse Dermatitis include:

• Emotional stress
• Cosmetic issues
• Office work may be affected
• Recurrence of the condition following resumption of computer work

How is Computer Mouse Dermatitis Treated?

The treatment measures available for Computer Mouse Dermatitis may include:

• Computer mouse or mouse pad related measures:
  • Change mouse and/or mouse pads
  • Minimize the time spent using a mouse; take regular breaks, where possible
  • Avoid using a mouse, such as by using the touchpad of a laptop or a touchscreen computer, or a keyboard, where possible
• Consider adequate treatment for underlying skin conditions such as hand dermatitis, atopic eczema, or hyperhidrosis
• Use of moisturizing creams
• Topical steroidal creams, as recommended
• Light cotton gloves may be worn while using a mouse/mouse pad

How can Computer Mouse Dermatitis be Prevented?

Computer Mouse Dermatitis may be prevented by considering the following steps:

• Avoiding constant or prolonged use of a computer mouse/mouse pad
• Undertaking suitable treatment for any skin condition that may predispose one to Computer Mouse Dermatitis
• In case of a known irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, avoiding or minimizing the use of a computer mouse

What is the Prognosis of Computer Mouse Dermatitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Computer Mouse Dermatitis is good with adequate treatment
• However, the risk for recurrence remains, especially when individuals have other preexisting skin conditions (such as dermatitis)

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Computer Mouse Dermatitis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/skin-disorders/