Doctors at the University Hospitals and Medical School of Geneva recently diagnosed a new disease, which they dubbed the “PlayStation palmar hidradenitis” in reference to the popular Sony PlayStation video game console. It was found in an otherwise healthy 12 year-old girl who demonstrated painful lesions along the palms of both hands. They were noted on physical examination to appear red, firm, nodular, and very tender. No other lesions were detected throughout her body.
The examined lesions resemble those in palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis, a dermatologic disorder often found on the soles of highly-active children. These are presumably caused from intense sweating and pressure to the affected regions. The girl was not particularly active, but her parents remarked that she had been playing “The Sims” on the Sony PlayStation for several hours daily prior to the appearance of the lesions. This phenomenon is reminiscent of “Wiiitis”, an acute tendonitis from excessive repetitive motions while using the Nintendo Wii controller.
Video games have already been associated with a range of health concerns, including addiction, violent behavior, and lack of physical activity. There are even extreme news reports of video game-associated dehydration and death. Now here is more ammunition for critics of the video gaming industry. I personally enjoy video games and would hate to have creativity and development stifled by future fines or regulations. It would be best that parents monitor and set limits to their children’s gaming habits. As for adults, self-control is key. In other words, play with moderation.
- Sources
- Kasraee B, Masouye I, Piguet V. PlayStation plamar hidradenitis. Br J Dermatol 2009 [Epub ahead of print]
- Image: Wikipedia
