Key takeaways:
~ Nickel allergy is very common and causes a rash after contact.
~ Systemic reactions can occur with foods higher in nickel causing gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and eczema.
~ Genes play a role in susceptibility to nickel allergy.
~ A couple of natural supplements may help with reactions.
Nickel Allergies: Genetics, Symptoms, Foods
Nickel allergy is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis (rash). It is estimated that 8 – 20% of people are sensitive to nickel.[ref][ref]
However, nickel allergies can go beyond just getting a rash from your watch or bracelet. A systemic response to certain foods that contain nickel is also possible.
What causes nickel sensitivity:
While genetic susceptibility plays a role (covered in the genotype report below), nickel allergy is caused by exposure to nickel, often for a long period of time.
Nickel can be found in:[ref]
- fashion jewelry
- piercings
- clothing decorations or fasteners
- eyeglasses
- medical devices, such as orthopedics
- orthodontics
- cosmetics
- tools
- bathroom fixtures
- mobile phones
- keys, coins
Non-workplace contacts like piercing the ear with a regular needle and wearing fashion jewelry are more likely to cause sensitization in women.[ref]
Sweat can leach the nickel from metal alloys, such as stainless steel. Skin piercings and other nickel-containing exposures can cause those who are vulnerable to develop nickel sensitivity.[ref]
Additionally, nickel is a common component in many orthodontic materials, and nickel allergy is common in people with tongue or lip piercings.[ref]
Symptoms of nickel allergies:
Classic symptoms of nickel sensitivity include an itchy rash where your skin contacts the nickel. This can be termed eczema or contact dermatitis. Other skin reactions can include vitiligo-like lesions, small raised bumps that form a ring, small blister clusters, cracked skin, and even vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).[ref]
Systemic symptoms of nickel allergy can include respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms from eating foods that contain nickel (or an implanted device that contains nickel).[ref] For example, someone with nickel allergy may end up with nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and headaches.[ref]
A type of mouth sore called oral lichenoid lesions is linked to higher than normal concentrations of nickel.[ref]
Foods that can cross-react with Nickel Allergies
Nickel is found in trace amounts in the soils, and plants can take up nickel through their roots. On average, we consume 300-600 μg of nickel per day. For someone who is very sensitive to nickel, the top end of this range could cause symptoms such as eczema.[ref]
If you have a nickel allergy, you may also be sensitive to certain foods that contain nickel or other metals that cross-react with nickel. This is known as oral allergy syndrome or pollen-food allergy syndrome. Some of the foods that can cross-react with nickel allergies include:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soybeans
- Whole grains
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Lentils
These foods contain varying levels of nickel, and some people with nickel allergies may not experience any symptoms from eating them. However, for some people, consuming these foods can trigger a reaction similar to the symptoms of nickel allergy, such as a rash or itching in the mouth, throat, or skin.
Response to nickel:
So what happens when soluble nickel is taken into a cell? Nickel causes the cell to increase inflammation and oxidative stress. This can lead to cell death at higher levels. The Nrf2 pathway is essential in the response to oxidative stress, and researchers have found that Nrf2 is upregulated with nickel exposure. [ref]
Another study looked at inflammation over the course of three days after exposure using skin biopsies in nickel allergy patients. The researchers found that natural killer cells are upregulated, and memory T cells are activated. The response was not immediate and built over a couple of days.[ref]
Genotype report
TNF gene: encode TNF-alpha, an inflammatory cytokine
Check your genetic data for rs1800629 -308A/G (23 and Me v4, v5; AncestryDNA):
- A/A: Higher TNF-alpha levels; increased risk of nickel sensitivity[ref]
- A/G: somewhat higher TNF-alpha levels; increased risk of nickel sensitivity[ref]
- G/G: typical, better response to high protein/low carb diet
Members: Your genotype for rs1800629 is —.
CLDN1 gene: encodes claudin 1 which is important in cell-to-cell adhesion
Check your genetic data for rs17501010 (AncestryDNA):
- G/G: typical
- G/T: increased risk of nickel contact sensitization
- T/T: increased risk of nickel contact sensitization[ref]
Members: Your genotype for rs17501010 is —.
NTN4 gene: Part of the netrin family of proteins which guide and promote neurite growth
Check your genetic data for rs2367563 (23andMe v4, v5)
- A/A: slightly increase risk of nickel allergy[ref]
- A/G: slightly increase risk of nickel allergy
- G/G: typical
Members: Your genotype for rs2367563 is —.
FLG gene: codes for filaggrin, which is a protein important in the barrier function of skin and other epithelial cells. Loss of function mutations in FLG is strongly linked to atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris, and allergies.[ref]
Check your genetic data for rs61816761 R501X (23andMe v4):
- A/A: loss of function mutation, increased risk allergies, atopic dermatitis, and nickel sensitivity[ref][ref]
- [ref]
- A/G: one copy of a loss of function mutation, increased risk of allergies, atopic dermatitis, and nickel sensitivity
- G/G: typical
Members: Your genotype for rs61816761 is —.
Check your genetic data for i4000499 or rs558269137, c.2282del4, (23andMe v4):
- D/D: increased risk of allergies, atopic dermatitis, and nickel sensitivity[ref][ref][ref][ref]
- I/D: one copy of a loss of function mutation, increased risk of nickel sensitivity
- I/I: typical
Members: Your genotype for i4000499 is — or for rs558269137 is —.
Biotin deficiency gene variants:
Biotin deficiency increases nickel allergy response in animal studies.[ref]
Most people get enough biotin through their diet, but some people with biotin-related genetic variants may need more biotin.
If you have any of the variants below, read through the in-depth article on biotinidase deficiency.
Gene | RS ID | Effect Allele | Your Genotype | Notes About Effect Allele |
---|---|---|---|---|
BTD | rs13078881 | C | — | Reduced enzyme activity |
BTD | rs28934601 | G | — | Mutation related to biotin deficiency (rare) |
BTD | rs13073139 | A | — | Mutation related to biotin deficiency (rare) |
BTD | rs80338684 | T | — | Mutation related to biotin deficiency (rare) |
BTD | rs34885143 | A | — | Mutation related to biotin deficiency (rare) |
Lifehacks: Natural Treatments for Nickel Allergy
First and foremost – avoid contact with nickel containing items such as ear rings, piercings, watches, and jewelry.
Check to make sure your utensils and cookware doesn’t contain nickel. For example, acidic food cooked in stainless steel can increase the nickel content of foods.[ref]
If you wear glasses, make sure that they don’t contain nickel in any parts that are against your skin. If your phone is metal, use a case that it plastic or silicone.
Nickel test kits are available to see if your cookware or jewelry has nickel in it.
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