Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome: Intervention Study for the Assessment of the Dietary Indications

Background: Nickel is a silvery metal widely used in nature and contained in many foods. Exposure to nickel is responsible for two different types of adverse reactions: Allergic Contact Dermatitis (DAC) and Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome (SNAS). The latter is characterized by the presence of extra-cutaneous manifestations, in addition to the skin lesions of the DAC, related to the introduction of nickel-containing foods. Therefore, a nutritional intervention is essential to reduce the symptoms of SNAS. Currently in the literature there are no nutritional guidelines on the treatment and management of patients suffering from SNAS and often the indications provided to patients involve the exclusion of groups of foods for prolonged periods, with the consequent risk of developing nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition. Objectives: to evaluate the efficacy of dietary indications, developed on the most recent scientific evidence, useful for the management of the symptoms associated with adverse reactions to Nickel. Provide practical indications to specialist staff in multidisciplinary patient management and make the patient aware of his problem and help him understand how to manage it independently. Target population: subjects over the age of 18, female, belonging to the U.O. Occupational Medicine Allergology Section at ICS Maugeri of Pavia, with previous diagnosis of Nickel allergy (patch test) and with the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms related to allergy.