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People with allergies to nickel (nickel sulfate), which is a mineral that is part of the composition of jewelry and accessories, should avoid using this metal in earrings, necklaces and bracelets or watches, and also the excessive consumption of foods such as bananas , peanuts and chocolate, in addition to avoid using metal kitchenware that contains nickel.
Nickel allergy causes symptoms such as itching and redness of the skin, and arises especially in women in their teens or early adulthood. See other causes of itchy skin.
Nickel-rich foods
Foods with a higher nickel content and which should be eaten in moderation and avoided in times of disease crisis are:
- Nickel vitamin drinks and supplements, such as tea and coffee;
- Canned food;
- Fruits such as bananas, apples and citrus fruits;
- Fish with a high concentration of nickel, such as tuna, herring, seafood, salmon and mackerel;
- Vegetables like onions, garlic and green leafy vegetables. Young leaves are preferable to older leaves, because they contain a lower nickel content;
- Other foods with a high nickel content, such as cocoa, chocolate, soy, oats, nuts and almonds.
These foods should be avoided or consumed with caution, paying attention to the appearance of any symptoms that may arise.
When preparing food, utensils with nickel must not be used and must be replaced. In addition, acidic foods should not be cooked in stainless steel utensils, as acids can lead to nickel dissociation from utensils and increase the nickel content of foods.
People who drink tap water should reject the initial flow of tap water in the morning, which should not be drunk or used for cooking, as nickel can be released from the tap during the night.
Nickel-rich objects
Objects with nickel in their composition can cause irritation and itchy skin and, therefore, should be avoided as much as possible. Some examples are:
- Metallic accessories, such as bra and dress clasps, metal buttons, springs, suspenders, hooks, sandal buckles and watches, rings, earrings, bracelets, bracelets, threads, medals and necklace clasps;
- Objects for personal use, such as lighters, metallic eyeglass frames, keys and key rings, metallic pens, thimbles, needles, pins, scissors;
- Metal pieces of furniture, such as door handles and drawers;
- Office supplies, such as typewriters, paper clips, staplers, metal pens;
- Cosmetics, such as blue or green eyeshadows, paints and some detergents;
- Some kitchen utensils.
It is important to be aware of the appearance of any symptoms on the skin and, if necessary, suspend the use of these objects.
Nickel allergy symptoms
In general, nickel allergy causes symptoms such as skin irritation, itching and sores, especially in the eyelids, neck, arms and fingers, in the palms, in the groin, in the inner thighs, in the folds of the knees and soles.
To confirm whether it is really nickel allergy, it is necessary to have an allergy test prescribed and accompanied by an allergist or dermatologist, who can also test other substances and foods to assess whether there are more causes for dermatitis. See how the allergy test is done.