PlayStation Skin Disorder 'PlayStation Palmar Hidradentitis'

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Notwithstanding the fact that playing computer and console games makes you clinically antisocial, emotionally warped, mentally unstable and potentially a serial killer (so the media would have us believe) it now transpires that excessive console gaming can also result in skin disorders (life, eh?).

Following on from the news that excessive Nintendo Wii gaming can reportedly occasion acute tendonitis, it now transpires that PlayStation users who expose themselves to ‘excessive’ gaming sessions are evidently running the risk of succumbing a skin disorder known as ‘PlayStation Palmar Hidradentitis’.

According to the Swiss scientists who claim to have identified the condition, PlayStation Palmar Hidradentitis takes the form of ‘painful lesions on the palms similar to patches found on the soles of children’s feet after taking part in heavy physical activity’. Interesting, and if you’ll excuse the flippancy, it seems that Xbox users are perfectly safe at this stage, however, as the scientists concerned are yet to establish the existence of ‘Xbox Palmar Hidradentitis’ (expect another news release in a few years following a further study).

Sony are, understandably, extremely concerned about the matter, with Sony spokesman David Wilson offering the following the following statement:

“As with any leisure pursuit there are possible consequences of not following common sense, health advice and guidelines, as can be found within our instruction manuals.” And, just to show how very seriously Sony is taking the matter, he added “We would not wish to belittle this research and we will study the findings with interest, but this is the first time we have ever heard of a complaint of this nature.”

Apparently the condition was established following a 12 year old girl attending the Geneva hospital with ‘intensely painful lesions on her hands’, Reuters reports, adding ‘The researchers suspected that grasping the console’s hand-grips together with repeated pushing of the buttons produced minor but prolonged injury to the palm of the girl’s hands, which can be made worse by sweating during a tense game.’

Thankfully the British Association of Dermatologists have, however, offered this helpful advise for those who think that they may be falling prey to PlayStation Palmar Hidradentitis (which we’ll duly file under our ‘Stating the Bleeding Obvious category): “If you’re worried about soreness on your hands when playing a games console, it might be sensible to give your hands a break from time to time, and don’t play excessively if your hands are prone to sweating.”

Conclusive proof for you there, if ever you needed it, that the Xbox is not only a more popular console with gamers than the PlayStation, and is decidedly more polite than the Wii, but is, in all actuality, the healthy option. And remember, you didn’t hear it here first.