Swiss scientists have identified a new gamer condition in the British Journal of Dermatology. Christened PlayStation palmar hidradenitis, its symptoms include sweaty palms, painful lesions and an overpowering urge to use caps in internet forums. Okay, not that last part. The disease was discovered after a 12-year-old girl attended hospital with painful sores on the palms of her hands.
Doctors at Geneva University Hospital first identified the skin disorder as ‘idiopathic eccrine hidradenitis’, which normally affects children and appears on the soles of the feet. It has been linked to intense sweating and exercise.
In this case, however, the girl hadn’t been out jogging; quite the opposite in fact. Her parents revealed that she’d recently started playing PlayStation for several hours per day and researchers concluded that her tight grasp of the controller, coupled with sweating resulting from the tension of the game, were the cause of her ailment.
Sony responded to the report, saying “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.” “This is the first time we have ever heard of a complaint of this nature,” it added.
However, Sony now boasts PlayStation palmar hidradenitis, while Nintendo gets Wiitis. What about poor old Microsoft – where’s its set of debilitating medical conditions and what should we call it? Pop your suggestions in below.
(via BBC)
