Article

Living Your Best Life with a Nickel Allergy (Diet and Beyond)

Published on Wednesday, September 11, 2024
by Kari Tallent

Nutrition

Wellness

Managing Nickel Allergy: Beyond Skin Reactions and Navigating Diet Challenges

When considering an allergic reaction to nickel, your first thought may be an ugly, itchy skin rash caused by touching something containing nickel. Where you are right, more than skin contact can trigger the immune response. Having a nickel allergy isn’t as simple as avoiding loose change; avoiding environmental items containing nickel is important, but certain foods should also be considered.

Like other allergies, a nickel allergy involves avoiding specific foods that contain trace amounts of naturally occurring nickel and environmental products you may encounter. What may be interesting to discover is an allergic reaction doesn’t occur just because a product contains nickel, but by the amount of nickel, the item contains. Whether the item is ingested or has a skin-to-product interaction, having an immune response is never a good time.

Understanding Nickel Allergy: Beyond the Rash

Unfortunately, the cause of nickel allergy is currently unknown, but exposure to a product containing nickel will result in a reaction if you have an allergy. This can manifest as a skin rash (contact dermatitis) that is itchy and red. You may also get dry skin patches or, in severe cases, fluid-filled blisters. Some individuals may develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The development of the allergy and reaction severity depends on the individual. You could have a reaction upon first exposure to nickel or continuous exposure over time.

You can determine if you have a nickel allergy by tracking your exposure and how long your rash may last. Typical rashes from a nickel allergy last between 4-6 weeks. Once you identify the source, you can limit your exposure by avoiding those products, not eating high nickel-containing foods, and researching how and where products are made or manufactured can also be very helpful.

Daily Life with a Nickel Allergy: Reducing Triggers and Embracing Confidence

Knowing what products and foods contain nickel is the best tool for reducing reactions and taking control of things. Common items include jewelry, as listed in the table below.

One very important thing to understand is that following a completely nickel-free diet is impossible. Part of that challenge is the lack of standardized measurements to determine the level of nickel in foods. It is tough to measure nickel levels due to the vast differences in environment from one region to another. Because of this, the nickel content of plant species, soil, and water differs from location to location. Other considerations are how and where food is processed. If a manufacturer uses machinery or mills containing stainless steel, then the nickel content of that food is elevated.

Individuals diagnosed with Iron deficiency are at a higher risk of absorbing nickel as both elements are absorbed via the same channels in the intestinal lining. With a lack of iron absorption blocking the way, nickel has a more straightforward absorption pathway, leading to an immune response.

Living for Success: Minimizing Reactions

As you may have guessed, it seems nickel lurks everywhere. While it is a commonly used metal in numerous consumables, you can limit your exposure by seeking out clothing and jewelry brands that market specifically to people with nickel allergies. Some popular clothing and accessories brands include Blue Canoe, Cottonique, and Naturally Free. You can visit the Sneeze Doctors for a great list of foods with a low nickel content. You can also use plastic-coated nickel items, like belt buckles, kitchen tools, keys, etc. Make sure you use a protective case for your cell phone, laptop, and tablet.

Treatment Options: From Steroids to Lifestyle Changes

Education is key to managing your nickel allergy and reducing its impact on your lifestyle. Understanding the current treatment options, such as topical or systemic steroids or phototherapy, can help decrease inflammation and allow the immune system to calm down. Knowing the right brands to shop for and the right foods to eat is crucial. Investigate different manufacturing companies to see if they list the equipment they use to process their foods. Consider making your own bread or finding a friend who has taken up making sourdough. By being informed and prepared, you can lead a confident and fulfilling life, even with a nickel allergy.