Sony speaks out on PlayStation Rash

We’ve had epilepsy and ‘vibration finger’, and now the latest medical condition to be linked to gaming is all over the press, who have given it the soundbite-pleasing name of PlayStation Rash.

The Mirror, amongst others, reports on a new skin condition” that is apparently the result of long periods spent holding a joypad and is not dissimilar to athlete’s foot. It was first spotted by Swiss doctors in a 12-year-old girl.

A Sony spokesperson told MCV: We firmly believe that video gaming is a legitimate entertainment pastime like watching movies, listening to music, or reading books.

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.

PlayStation was launched in 1995 and has sold hundreds of millions of consoles over the last 13 years. 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.”