Nickel Reactions on the Rise. Diet to Blame?

Certain patients consuming healthy diets consisting of whole grains, legumes, nuts, and soy may be at increased risk of developing allergic reactions to nickel, according to dermatologist Matthew Zirwas, MD, an associate professor at The Ohio State University. Specializing in allergic reactions at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Dr. Zirwas says symptoms of food-related nickel allergy include an itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body, but it is more common on the palms of the hands and the outside of the elbows. In addition to rashes, patients may experience fatigue, nausea and joint pain. Unlike allergic contact dermatitis, dietary reactions are cumulative, developing once susceptible patients achieve a personal exposure threshold. A recent surge in nickel allergy reactions us likely due to dietary exposures in the types of grains, legumes, and beans that experts are increasingly recommending as healthy.