Allergic to Nickel? Eat a Nickel Free Diet.

People who are severely allergic to nickel, as from earrings or belt buckles, can actually develop a rash from eating foods high in nickel.

In particular, chronic hand dermatitis has been associated with eating foods high in nickel in patients with a known allergy. If you are allergic to nickel and have a chronic rash, especially of your hands, then consider a nickel-free diet. Try to avoid:

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March 9, 2008 | Filed Under Allergies, Mini Med School: Derm 101, Rashes 

Comments

12 Responses to “Allergic to Nickel? Eat a Nickel Free Diet.”

  1. Dr. Val on March 11th, 2008 5:15 pm

    I had no idea these foods had nickel in them. Hmmm.

  2. Ami on March 12th, 2008 4:45 pm

    For the most part, that’s a pretty healthy lineup of foods. How very frustrating.

  3. Sandra on March 13th, 2008 12:23 am

    Hi!! I’m a peruvian nutritionist, I have a cronic nickel allergy and I have to eat a nickel free diet always. While studiyng nutrition I learned how important was Omega 3 (DHA and EPA) for the skin and allergies and I have taken Body Fish Oils capsules since that time. I discovered that when taking this supplement I can eat some of the foods that usually produces me dermatitis on my hands due to the nickel allergy withou any problem, like lentils and beans. I also take Vitamin C and magnesium because they are good nutrients to get rid of excess of heavy metals (like nickel) form the body.

    Then I apply a little bit of olive oil on my hands because it has antiiflammatory agents that relieves me any itching, inflammation or driyness due to the dermatitis.

    I also noticed the nickel rich foods that gave me the most trouble:
    - Chocolate and anything that contains it
    - Canned food
    - Tomato
    - Food grilled at a barbecue
    - Corn flakes or any breakfast cereals (I change this for quinoa and kiwicha, peruvian cereals)
    - Lentils, beans, chick peas, peanut

    I don’t have any trouble with salmon, oats or dry fruits like nuts, pistacchios, pecan, etc.

  4. Dr. Benabio on March 13th, 2008 1:47 pm

    Sandra-
    Thanks for stopping by and for your additions to my list.

  5. Bobby "Whataman" Jackson on May 13th, 2008 5:39 pm

    What is the best over the counter allergy product that you have tried? Thanks…

  6. C.K. Albrecht on June 2nd, 2008 3:10 pm

    Does anyone have a resource who has put out a cookbook focussing on a nickel-free diet?

  7. rosarita on June 13th, 2008 8:32 pm

    Very good information! I did not know this. Keep up the good work!

  8. Dr. de Asis on June 16th, 2008 6:37 am

    Thanks for the info. I have a patient with severe nickel allergy, but only has a rash in the periorbital area and swears up and down that she has been avoiding nickel. She’s had several patch tests with the North American Contact Dermatitis panel in my office and at NYU and all we find is the nickel allergy.
    One of my derm friends suggested she try avoiding nickel in her food and see if this helps. What has been your experience?

  9. Dr. Benabio on June 17th, 2008 5:11 am

    Bobby-
    I am not sure what you mean by allergy product. Feel free to write me at dr.benabio [at] thedermblog.com if I can help you.

    CK-
    I could not find one. If I do, I’ll update the post. Thanks.

    Rosarita-
    Thanks.

    Dr. de Asis-
    Interesting patient. I have see hand dermatitis respond to a nickel free diet, but not eyelid dermatitis as yet. I have certainly seen atopic dermatitis on the eyelids that occurs in patients who have a nickel allergy. Perhaps Occam’s Razor does not apply; sometimes patients do have two conditions. Thanks for writing.

  10. Nik on July 2nd, 2008 4:07 am

    I recently started getting hand eczema….As a 30 year old is it possible to develop a nickel allergy now?

  11. K on July 5th, 2008 1:06 pm

    I never heard of a Nickel Free “diet” until today. I have had a chronic case of eczema on the palms of my hands, wrists, base of scalp, and bottom of one foot for almost 3 years. I did have patch testing done a year ago and the nickel was not positive; however, I am wondering if the diet may help. I do know that even if I do not have an allergy reaction to a lotion on my face, I will with my hands. Anything on my hands hurts, except AquaPhor and cotton gloves. Maybe, avoiding these higher nickel foods will help. Thanks.

  12. Kim on July 9th, 2008 9:45 am

    I have a severe nickel allergy and I have been on a nickel restricted diet since March 2008. The change in my digestive system was amazing. The diet I was given is even more detailed than listed above. I was also given guidelines to avoid contact with nickel on my skin. The biggest change came when I changed my skin care products. Many had soy, cocoa and nut oils. My skin looks wonderful. For anyone with this allergy it is well worth trying.

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