The Hidden Link Between Nickel and Eczema: What You Need to Know
Understanding the impact of nickel on eczema skin
Eczema, a common skin condition, is loosely defined as any itchy skin dermatitis, with the intensity of symptoms varying widely. We’ll explore how the metal nickel could be a contributing factor to this, and what you can do to help your skin.
Eczema treatment often addresses the range from mild, dry, itchy skin to more severe cases, such as redness, swelling, and weeping blisters, which can cause significant discomfort.
We’ll look at the possible connections between the metal nickel and eczema. If you have eczema, it's worth looking into further.
Eczema has many different classifications
These include the following:
Atopic dermatitis, a type of childhood eczema, typically occurs in the early years and can be the most severe and long-lasting of the eczema treatments. This chronic condition often requires ongoing management.
Contact dermatitis arises when the skin reacts to specific eczema triggers, leading to a reaction upon exposure to irritant substances. This condition is a common skin problem that requires careful avoidance of known irritants.
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis (Pompholyx) — a blistering eczema found more in women than men.
Nummular dermatitis, or Discoid eczema, presents as dry, non-itchy circular patches and is more prevalent in men, especially during the colder months. Eczema creams and moisturizers are often recommended to manage this condition.
Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by a red, itchy rash that frequently affects the scalp and face, often accompanied by dandruff. Effective scalp treatments and specialized shampoos are used to alleviate symptoms.
Hives — also called welts, can be painful and itchy.
Angioedema, akin to hives, differs in that the redness and swelling occur beneath the skin’s surface, often due to an allergic reaction. This inflammation requires prompt attention to reduce discomfort.
The etiology of eczema is subject to debate among medical professionals. Some assert the causes are unknown, while others point to medical research suggesting a link between skin health and exposure to metals like nickel.
The Nickel Eczema Connection
A medical study conducted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health on 112 individuals with nickel allergy symptoms revealed significant findings.
After following an eczema diet low in nickel for four weeks, 39.28% of participants experienced controlled eczema symptoms.
The study deduced that for some patients with contact allergy, the ingestion of nickel salts could be a primary cause of persistent, chronic allergic dermatopathies.
External Sources of Nickel
Individuals with eczema may be advised to minimize exposure to nickel for eczema relief.
Some common sources of nickel that could be contributing to problems include but are not limited to, costume jewelry, certain types of food, and even some electronic devices. Some examples could be:
Jewelry
Zippers
Bra straps
Buttons on jeans and pants
Coins
Eye glasses
Cosmetic holders
Cell Phones
Razors
Pocket knives
Key rings
Pens
Toaster
Paper clips
Pins and needles
Kitchen utensils and cupboard handles
Eczema management can be more revealing using a nickel test kit, available through a pharmacist or dermatologist. This kit, comprising two chemical solutions, turns pink upon detecting nickel and is safe for use on jewelry.
Low Nickel Diet
A low nickel diet for four weeks could be beneficial to determine if dietary changes can reduce eczema symptoms.
General recommendations for such a diet include avoiding foods high in nickel content and choosing alternatives with lower nickel levels.
Foods that are allowed
Cereals, bread, flour, rice, pasta
Most vegetables
Fruit, raw & stewed
Tea, coffee, soft drinks, cordials, beer, wine
Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, margarine
Foods to avoid
Canned spaghetti & baked beans
Green beans, broccoli, peas including split peas, canned vegetables
Canned fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cocoa, drinking chocolate, chocolate
Nickel in Drinking Water
Book Recommendation — The Low Nickel Diet Cookbook & Guide: A Holistic Approach to Systemic Nickel Allergy
In ‘Water Technology: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers’, N.F. Gray highlights that the World Health Organization updated health standards for water quality in the EC Drinking Water Directive in November 1998, reducing the permissible nickel levels—a known eczema research concern—from 50 to 20 ug. This underscores the importance of managing nickel in our environment.
To reduce eczema symptoms, conducting drinking water testing for nickel content is a good idea or switching to bottled water. These typically adhere to quality control and is less likely to contain high levels of nickel.
Another suggestion is to use a water filter on your shower head. I use the one below, and I love it.
***Product Recommendation: 7 Inch High Pressure Filtered Shower Head — 20 Stage Shower Filter
Researching more into eczema, it’s worth some time to explore the possible nickel connection to eczema to reduce nickel exposure, which could potentially lessen the condition’s impact on your life.
As always, however, discuss your condition with your doctor.
Thanks for reading. If you have eczema, what do you do to help control it?
All rights reserved by Val Garner
Warnings and Disclaimers
The content of this article is not intended to replace the guidance provided by a qualified health professional. The insights offered here are informational only.
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