The Dermatology Blog

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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?

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

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.

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.

I’m allergic to nickel and I would like to know if anyone could tell me if hemp seed is high in nickel?

wow. i am highly alergic to nickel and it causes blistering redness swelling and tenderness in my fingers and hands when I touch it or eat something with it. I would much rather suffer the rash than give up chocolate or hot water. ha

Where do you find a more detailed nickel free diet? I’m lacking for ideas, and the list I’ve been given is pretty vague. I’ve been pretending that I don’t have to modify my diet, but now the antihistamines I’ve been taking for months aren’t working. Any info is appreciated, my dermatologist’s list is a photocopy of a typed list from the 70’s. Thanks!

I have recently developed what I think is an allergy to Nickel. First I developed a periorbital rash that was extremely red and itchy. After a long time of trying to figure out what was going on I realized that my eyeglass frames were made of a nickel alloy. I stopped using those frames and the rash went away. However now I have developed a rash from shaving and I just found out that there is nickel in stainless steel. Is this a common problem and are there truly nickel free razer blades that you are aware of? Are there electric shavers that are nicke free?
Thanks

I’m allergic to Nickel. I got a heart stent which contains 14% Nickel in the stainless steel makeup of this product. I can drink beer and hard liq. and meat.Nickel containing foods within hours causes the effects of the flu. I take EDTA and 2000mgl of penicillin per day for the last 3 years. When you have nickel flowing in the blood stream, bacteria attaches to the nickel causeing constent types of infections along with major joint and muscle problems making it almost impossible to walk.The 2000 mgl of EDTA which I started 16 months ago has done a great job of removing the nickel from my bloodstream. The stent will continue to release Nickel. This has been going on for 4 years with no end in sight and no help from Dr’s. Been trying to alert the public and all medical & government groups and have had little results.

Anyone wanting to know more please contact me.
952-955-6964

Thanks

I’ve developed red, swollen, blistered, itchy lips!! Some days I look like a clown. I’ve tested positive for Nickel allergy and was wondering if my mineral make-up and cover up could be the culprit. Also, under my platinum wedding band, I get the same reaction. Help!!

Kim, I’ve been looking for a line of nickel-free skin and hair care products but I haven’t succeeded in my search. Can you suggest anything? In the meantime I am definitely going to try avoiding the foods included in Dr Benabio’s list. Thanks!

A low-nickel diet has decreased the blistering on my hands/feet by 90-95% in the past three months. I am now having anaphylaxis type reactions when I break my diet and have too much nickel. As for the nickel free make-up and shampoo; the Clinique line is nickel free and “Free and Clear” shampoo and conditioner are available at drug stores. “Vaniderm” lotion is also allergen-free. Plus, does anyone know anything about Chronic Fatique Syndrome and Nickel Allergy being related?

I have had eczema since I was 6 wks old..I’m 52 and only recently learned of my nickel allergy. I just started Imuran and a nickel free diet, I have been drinking Mona Vie Pulse and that seems to help as well. My problem area is head to toe, I can’t work because the itching is so bad I can barely handle wearing clothes!!! What’s next? is there any hope/help? What about things like deodorant, shampoo, lotions, toothpaste,soaps, make up? HELP !!!!!!!!

I have had eczema on my eyelids and under my eyes – as well as severe dryness around the mouth, cracking in the corners of my mouth, and blisters similar to cold sores (which were tested to not be viral). The blisters have gotten severe during times – to the point of dozens of small infected bumps.

I just had a patch test done thinking it might have been something in the lotions I was using – and the only allergy that came back positive was Nickel. I don’t wear makeup or much jewelry (although cheap earrings really make my ears mad). I am starting to cut out certain foods – looks like all of the potatoes and chocolate I ate over the holidays might have been the reason my symptoms spiked.

However – can anyone tell me what else I should look for in my lotions and creams besides nickel (which all seems to be fine?) I use cocoa butter for my body lotion – could that be an issue?

Also – do you think this is what causes the corners of my mouth to crack so much – or is that a separate issue?

Thanks

UPDATE I contacted several make companies and found that Bare Minerals product line is nickel free! yeah!

Hi Everyone I have a nickel allergy as well, I have had eczema since I was 6wks old and I’m 52. I also have eczema on my eyelids and cracking around my mouth and and ears and through alot of internet time this is what I found: Jewelry; sterling silver made before 1975 and in Mexico have nickel in it as well as white gold made before 1975,costume jewelry has nickel…make-up the only one I have found that is nickel free and will not cause break out is Bare Minerals…razors have nickel I have resorted to buying a wax machine at the local beauty supply store… tweezers have nickel so wax those eyebrows…zippers, watch bands, the studs on pockets like blue jeans and barrettes have nickel,( wear a long tank or t-shirt with jeans)go to your local health foods store and ask them for toileties that are nickel free there are a couple different ones…cookware; Visions cookware (glass) and Lodge cast iron cookware are nickel free as well as silicone bakeware; use wooden,plastic or silicone utensils and NEVER USE ALUMINUM FOIL, and use bottled water for drinking and cooking everything….stay away from cooking oils with corn (maize) very high in nickel, use margarine or virgin olive oil…no tea at all and last but the biggest look at the packaging of your creams and lotions these are high dollar items we can’t live without but most are in a metal tubing THAT HAS NICKEL IN IT!!!! Always always always wear rubber, vinyl or latex gloves when cleaning as most cleaners have nickel as well, stay away from everything in a can!!! Get a shower filter and use Free n Clear, Cetaphil, or Vanicream soaps they are the only ones I’ve found that are nickel free and if you color your hair well sorry but give it up or take the risk. I’m on Imuran and was still breaking out and itching now that I’ve gotten rid of everything I’m starting to clear up. This is a hard allergy to live with but we can do it!!! Good Luck and God Bless you all

cocoa butter has nickel in it…ask your Dermatologist for a nickel free diet you’ll be shocked at everything on it, there’s a limited amount of foods that are nickel free so get that diet asap..oh and watch cappaccino’s most have cocoa in them

I am a 27 years old and have been suffering on & off from eczema especially on my hands, around my mouth and at the corners of my arms. I too have an allergy to Nickel as confirmed by a patch test.

I was interested by Dr de Asis’ patient with eye allergy – does she use an eyelash curler? My metal one creates dry patches where it rests on my face…

I’ve noticed that wine is a big problem for me – especially red wines. I want to try organic wines and see how they fair. Sprits need to be taken with caution now that I see potoatoes are on the list (vodka)

I haven’t had any wine for a while but still have quite a bad reaction on my arm, face and hands – I’ve heard stress is a major factor but I think I will try to eliminate some of the suggestions above.

Thanks for the tips, everyone (Thanks mom for showing me this link!)

Hi, so scarey this stuff, i have always flared up with cheap jewellery since I was a teenager, but persisted wearing gorgeous exotic earrings for the day anyway never knowing the risks until yesterday!!! Developed eczema from an engagement ring that spread from one finger to the next until it jumped hands arghhhhhhhh Pompholyx SUCKS, I developed a Staph infection with pustules and cracked bleeding hands! For the girl above re: wine, I suffer at the same time from an allergy to Sulphites the 220- 228 nasty preservatives, with eczema on eye lids and throat, particularly bad at the moment from pregnancy and breastfeeding; I guess my body is trying to provide for my child and not much for me. I have started Zinc Vit C powders and will get Flaxseed Oil tomorrow after researching on the net- a nickel allergic sufferer claims great results. After a billion creams a doctor recently suggests Nickel sensitivity and looking into a diet- Crickey I am a chocolate freak no wonder I am breaking out. Def saw a connection to this after keeping off chocolate 4 a week and an instant reaction with a cake today. will try the diet- I don’t know what I will eat 4 breakfast as we are big on multi grains and oats and all the good foods one would normally eat- Any ideas? and I am worried about losing weight and energy as I am breastfeeding an 8 week year old child. Any ideas? thank you

to Kim. you wrote ” The diet I was given is even more detailed than listed above ” for a nickel free diet.
could you email me the nickel free diet you followed. My daughter has severe atopic derm. all over and tested positive to nickel and colbalt. Thank you. jeannie

Kim,

Could you email me a copy of the detailed nickel free diet? My son and I both are allergic to nickel and could use a good diet.
Thanks a bunch
Deb

Kim,

Would you mind emailing the nickel-free diet list to me as well?

Thanks so much
Margo

I’d also like the nickel free diet too. Anyone know of good books out there? I got a list that said potatoes were fine. Now I’m confused.

Could I get the email too.

Kim,
Please send me a copy of the nickel free diet. Today,my dermatologist said I should go on a nickel free diet.
Thanks,
Cathy

Nothing wrong with this, at all, people should get it more.

@Kelly
AHHH HON! NEVER NEVER USE COCOA BUTTER! THERE IS A TON OF NICKEL IN CHOCOLATE…AND SINCE COCOA BUTTER IS A DERIVITIVE – IT IS PUTTING THE CULPRIT DIRECTLY ON YOUR SKIN! SAVE YOURSELF AND STOP USING IT IMMEDIATELY

Kim, if it’s not too much trouble would you mind emailing me the diet too. In much need of it.
Thanks for the info. MUCH APPRECIATED.

Kim,
I have a daughter who has just started shiving her legs and underarm. She started with a bad rash uneder her arms that at first I thought was from shaving to close. It progressivly got worse. Her legs started breaking out with bumps around her knees and is spreading. It dawned on me that sinse she is allergic to nickel that the razors contain nickel. She has not been shaving for a couple of weeks and it seems to be getting better. Are there nickel free razors? If so where can you find them? If not what alternate suggestions do you have for shaving ? Thank you.

Could I have a copy of a nickel free diet as well?

Kim, could I have a copy of the diet as well please? Also, has anyone had burning, acidic sweat that turns into a rash associated with nickel allergy? I have been incredibly itchy for 7 years and am at my breaking point. Saw an allergist today. Hoping for some relief.

Hi, Kim – please could i get a copy of the diet as well? I’m 27 and starting to look like an old lady, i can’t wait to get this sorted, or as sorted as possible!! It really affects your confidence doesn’t it?
I’ve had a rash on my eyelids, cheeks, tops of my ears and around my mouth for over a year now. It started suddenly out of nowhere, I’ve known I’m allergic to nickel for a long time and tested positive with patch testing. However, i had no idea about foods containing nickel! I’ve been trying to avoid make-up and toiletries with nickel but as pointed out before, some don’t list nickel as an ingredient and who knows what other chemicals contain it? I’ll try bare minerals though and possibly some of the other toiletries listed above. Gutted about the chocolate!!

@Kim
I know everyone is asking and I have to too, can I please get a copy of this diet sheet, if possible. My dr. gave me a sheet on what to avoid last summer when I was diagnosed, and I’m reading it thinking, what else is left to eat! It’s like hmm water and bread for the rest of my life, no can’t do that either b.c. of the soy in bread, lol. I break out with red blotches around my mouth and nose, also getting hair line cracks in the corners of my mouth just like many people above, which are very painful. I dealt with it for 4 years going to many different Dermatologist until a Dr. finally did a patch test showing that it was a nickel allergy that I was having. It seems to be predominantly foods that I eat and skin products I use. Not so much jewelry. I sympathize with everyone here, I know it’s a hard life style change to make! When the Dr. told me it was nickel I laughed and said what’s that in?! Then she started telling me everything and giving me the run down, I started crying! If you can follow a diet strictly not eating anything on the list, it would be a great weight loss tool! One other thing for the people who just the redness, it sounds crazy but I tried make-up – “Bare Minerals” by Bare Escentuals (go to the store to have them put it on to see if you react, I did a test run before I bought the kit, it is expensive but it’s a miracle of how it covers things up) to cover up the break outs around my mouth, it works awesome, it doesn’t react with my allergy, it has become a crutch where I can eat what I want then just cover it with the make-up if I would get a reaction!

I suffered with odd aches, pains and excema for as long as i can remember and 9 years ago was referred to a dermatologist and went through all creams ending in ate- betno, dermo, trima….. 5 years ago i had allergy patch testing which showed a severe reaction to nickel- my photo is used as a teaching aid in exeter hospital! I have just had a second round of patch tests which show secondary allergies to Thiurum and carba mix, cobalt and isothiazolinones.
The Thiurum and Carba are volcanising agents which rule out anything made of rubber, the nickel and cobalt are the ones driving you folk nuts and the family of thiazolinones are anti microbial agents in shampoo to air conditioning units…. I can’t live in a bubble- i’d be allergic to it! I have been told the following are high in Nickel: Wholemeal products- bran and rye cereals, any canned or aluminium poil packed foods, herring, kippers, smoked haddock,oysters, anchovies, mussels, lobster, asparagus, beans, peas, mushrooms, onions, corn, maize, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, spinach, tomatoes, lentils, barley and broth mix,wholegrain flour, yeast, pears, plums, rhubarb, tea, coffee, chocolate, baking powder, liver, kidney, offal, all margarine, oatmeal, oats, porridge.
The following i have been recommended only two portions a day- they have a moderate nickel content:
Cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, potato, broccoli, brussel sprouts, leeks, swede, turnip, watercress, sweetcorn, beetroot.

The following are low in nickel so fill ya’ boots

Meat except liver, kidney and offal
Poultry, white fish, eggs, cheese, milk, yoghurt, butter, cream, sago, semolina, tapioca, custard, cornflour, refined breakfast cereals, white or yellow pasta, white flour, white bread, cream crackers, cakes and biscuits made with white flour, sugar, honey, herbs, vinegar (not cider), mineral water, cola, wine, corn oil, lard, marmalade and jam, fresh fruit except pears, plums and rhubarb. Homemade soup from the allowed veg list.

The dietician i have just been referred to gave me this list and then said she hasn’t recommended it in over three years because it is so restrictive, i asked for the effected skin to be burnt off to kill the nerve endings- i could be allergic to everything and not have to scratch, in that light the diet doesn’t seem so severe! I only started it yesterday, i’m going to miss coffee, chocolate and ciggies the most- yes- there is nickel in my rolling tabacco.

You can now get titanium razors and rock salt deoderant- It is impossible to avoid touching nickel so i’m working on my Jolson impression. I have been sacked for time off sick so my next career move is to offer myself up to medical science- I must be of some use in allergy experimenation!!

A crazy-making element of this allergy is the contradictory info on the various nickel-free diets. All seem to agree on chocolate, legumes, canned foods, and most whole grains, but there are many contradictions around fruits & veggies. The diet our derm gave us last week is from a dermatology clinic in Denmark. It says the following:

Avoid: Shellfish, Chocolate, Beans/Peas/Lentils, Greens (Kale, Lettuce, Spinach), All soy, Sprouts, Bran, Buckwheat, Millet, Oatmeal, Unpolished Rice, Rye, Sesame seeds, Sunflower seeds, Wheat bran and other bran and fiber products, whole grain breads, dates, figs, pineapple, prunes, raspberries, tea from a drink dispenser, nuts, baking powder (in large amounts), linseed & linseed oil, vitamins containing nickel.

OK: Eggs, fish, meat (all kinds), poultry, butter, cheese, mikls in all forms, unflavored yogurt, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, white cabbage, cauliflower, chinese cabbage, corn, cucumber, dill, eggplant, garlic (in moderation), mushrooms, onions (in moderation), parsley, green and red peppers, potatoes, breakfast foods made of rice, cakes and biscuits not containing nuts/cocoa/chocolate, cornflakes, cornmeal, cornstarch, macaroni, popcorn, polished white rice (in moderation), spaghetti, wheat flour, whole grain rey and wheat bread (in moderation), bananas, berries (except raspberries), beaches, bears, raisin, rhubarb, alcoholic beverages, carbonated beverages, coffee and tea (not too strong and in moderation), margarine and yeast.

Separately, it says that certain foods & drink have a low nickel content but appear to aggravate nickel eczema: beer, red wine, herring, mackerel, tuna, tomato, onion, carrot, apples and citrus fruits & juices. It says that the veggies mentioned in that list can usually be tolerated when cooked.

Any light anyone can shed on the conflict around asparagus,onions, corn, pears, rhubarb, plum, mushrooms and potatoes would be appreciated. Before finding out about my daughter’s nickel allergies, she was already off dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, sesame & honey. This doesn’t leave us much.

Anyone have good info on the nickel content of flax oil? Also, my bottle of flax oil touts the presence of nickel in it as a good thing. I hear good reports of flax oil for eczema but hesitate giving it to my kiddo for fear of flare.

Thanks all.

@Theresa
Please also send a copy of the diet to me. I have done a lot of research on this allergy in the last couple of years and am now convinced I will have this condition forever. I’ve eliminated several of the foods mentioned here and also taken several of the supplements suggested. Some help and some don’t seem to have any affect.
Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

O.K. the nickle free diet is a must, where can I get it? Also do you know what it is in cigarettes and nickle sensitivity? Is it in the 2nd hand smoke?
Betty

@Judy
Please can you tell me which supplements did help? I’m taking magnesium, zinc, vit c and milk thistle at the mo.

The fact that flax oil contains nickel is new to me, i’ve been downing gallons of the stuff secure in the knowledge it was helping! This allergy is ridiculous!!!

Nice post! Keep up the good work

Vitimin C and Magnesium help rid heavy metals from the body, Omega 3 does something helpful too but I can’t remember what.
I’m beginning to notice imrovements since starting the low nickel diet and food diary since 6th May. I do seem to be eating a lot of pasta and cheese but thats ok, struggling to avoid tomato and mushrooms…mmmm….pizza….mmmm. I have been pescribed Metosyn cream for the perianal dermatitas and eumovate for the facial excema bits, I have lotion for the excema on my scalp and powder for my feet, all come in metal containers. I didn’t think of packaging, what a bummer. The multiple allergies do have a plus side- I don’t need lip plumping gloss- i use beeswax and then eat off cheap cutlery; instant big lips. My husband said he was going to stick a 5p sterling to my forehead whilst i’m sleeping to see if he can imprint the Queen on me. I just got new glasses including lenses from Tesco for £20, they’re plastic so i’m not allergic to them. For folk that wear corrective lenses: don’t have a sight test if you are mid swell. My contact lense fitting was delayed because the cornea swells when the eyelids are affected. Still not been able to reassure my dentist so the toothache takes my mind off of the itchy eyes!
I know it seems impossible but try to see the funny side of the allergy- it will really get you down else. I have found this site suportive and informative, i will try to find a more definate answer to flax seed oil- i was given contradictory advice about it. I don’t know how muck nickel is in tabacco or if the risk is first or second hand- it may just be a cunning ploy by my doctor to get me to try giving up again.

I am sure it is from both. Whenever I would have a cigarette or two, my fingers would become so itchy and raw. I would avoid both if you can.r

There are such long, conflicting lists of what we can’t eat. What are some of the things people know they can eat without any problems? What is a good breakfast cereal?