Patient Reference & Educational Resource
Nickel is a ubiquitous trace metal found in soil, water, and foods. Nickel allergy is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), causing an itchy skin rash when the skin touches nickel-containing items like jewelry, buttons, snaps, or coins.
While most people with a nickel allergy only react when nickel touches their skin, some individuals are highly sensitive. For these patients, ingesting nickel through food can trigger an immune response from the "inside out." This is known as Systemic Contact Dermatitis (SCD). Symptoms may include:
This diet is generally recommended for patients who have a confirmed nickel allergy (via patch testing) and continue to experience dermatitis symptoms despite strictly avoiding external contact with nickel. It is often prescribed as a 4 to 6-week trial to see if symptoms improve.
Nickel is naturally present in many healthy foods. Plants absorb nickel from the soil, meaning the nickel content can vary depending on where the food was grown. In sensitive individuals, the nickel absorbed during digestion enters the bloodstream and triggers the immune system, leading to skin inflammation.
Crucial First Step: Before attempting this diet, you must ensure you are avoiding all external contact with nickel. Common sources include:
Eliminate these during the 4–6 week trial period.
| Category | Foods to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Grains & Cereals |
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| Vegetables |
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| Fruits |
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| Proteins |
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| Nuts & Seeds |
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| Beverages & Sweets |
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These foods generally have lower nickel content and are considered safe for the trial period.
| Category | Allowed Foods |
|---|---|
| Grains & Cereals |
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| Vegetables |
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| Fruits |
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| Proteins |
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| Dairy |
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| Fats & Oils |
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Always read ingredient labels carefully. Avoid products listing "soy," "whole wheat," "oats," or "cocoa." Check multivitamin supplements for added nickel, or ask your pharmacist.
Ask if sauces contain soy or nuts. Choose simple dishes — grilled meats with potatoes or rice are usually safe. Avoid Asian cuisine and vegan/vegetarian specialty items that rely heavily on soy, nuts, and seeds.
How you prepare your food is just as important as what you eat. Cooking methods and utensils can increase the nickel content of your meals.
Stainless steel cookware contains nickel that can leach into food, especially acidic foods (tomatoes, vinegar, citrus). Use: glass, enamel, cast iron, or plastic. Avoid: stainless steel for long-simmering acidic sauces or aluminum foil.
Tap water sitting overnight in pipes may accumulate nickel from plumbing fixtures. Flush the tap for a few seconds each morning before drinking or cooking. Don't re-boil water sitting in a metal-element kettle.
When the body is low in iron, it absorbs more metals — including nickel. Consume Vitamin C–rich foods (oranges, peppers) with meals to help block nickel absorption and boost iron uptake. If you are anemic, speak to your doctor about iron supplementation to reduce nickel absorption.
Strictly follow the low-nickel food lists. It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks of strict adherence to see an improvement in dermatitis.
Keep a record of your skin condition. Note if itching decreases or blisters heal. A food diary is essential for tracking hidden sources.
If your skin clears significantly, your doctor may suggest reintroducing foods one at a time to determine your personal tolerance threshold. Do not reintroduce foods without medical guidance.