Hyposensitization for Nickel and Iron Oxide Allergies

You're allergic to Nickel and Iron Oxide?!
Isn't there an allergy shot for that?

I heard those questions so many times from people who really cared about my struggles.  It's possible that many friends were surprised that an allergy to Nickel and Iron Oxide would flare up in my eyes, of all places.

 

And oh, how I searched and hoped that there was some kind of allergy shot, like the way people with hay fever are treated.  It is a great way to build the immune system.  But the mainstream answer to the question is "No, there isn't any allergy shot for this allergy."

 

 

  The following video contains information about allergies in general.  And I believe there are some points that can apply to Nickel and Iron Oxide Allergies.

  Attilio Speciani is an Allergist and Immunologist (Master in Milan University in 1990) ; Anaesthesiologist and E.R. Doctor (Master in Milan University 1982); Professor of Nutrition for two different Universities (Bologna, and Milan)
and is teaching in Milan for the "Master in Phytotherapy" and in Bologna for the "Master in Phytotherapy in Gastroenterology".

 

 

 

So is there new information on something that works like an allergy shot for Nickel Allergy?

What is HYPOSENSITIZATION?

Administration of a graded series of doses of an allergen to atopic subjects suffering from immediate-type hypersensitivity to it. This must be done with great care to avoid anaphylactic reactions. The aim is to increase the level of specific IgG antibodies and/ or to diminish the level of IgE antibodies

What is HYPOSENSITIZATION? (Science Dictionary)

 

Hyposensitization with Oral Nickel

Studies have confirmed the role and benefit of hyposensitization with oral nickel in nickel allergy. It has been noted that oral tolerance to nickel sensitization can be obtained by feeding with nickel sulfate in nickel sensitive individual, and this has opened a new area of investigation for the treatment of nickel allergy. The suggested mechanism for oral hypo- sensitization in nickel-sensitive individual is the stimulation of the suppresser T-cell production by antigen excess.

In two controlled studies (each including 24 patients with contact allergy to nickel), where each patient was orally treated with 5.0 mg nickel sulfate once a week for 6 weeks, the degree of contact allergy, measured as patch test reactions before and after nickel administration, was noted to be lowered significantly.  In a different study,  where 30 nickel sensitive cases were treated with oral nickel sulfate in a dose of 0.1 ng/day following a low nickel diet, showed complete disappearance of the symptoms after 1 year of treatment in 29 cases; the remaining patient showed a partial alleviation of symptoms. Oral provocation tests with these 30 patients showed an overall increase of tolerance. Patch tests showed no variation in the 20 cases; a diminution was observed in 5 cases and the patch tests were negative in 5. Similar type of results were obtained by Bagot et al .

             Relationship Between Nickel Allergy And Diet

^{And another study is reported by Dr. Juan Carlos Ivancevich}

In 2009, our group performed a clinical trial of oral hyposensitization therapy with low doses of nickel in 67 patients affected by systemic allergy to this sensitizer. All patients reported a significant benefit in regard to both cutaneous and systemic symptoms, with the reduction or absence of itching and partial or complete clearing of ACD after the first 4 weeks of treatment. In fact, 70% of the patients completed the increasing phase (10 weeks) and the maintaining phase with the following results after the reintroduction of a nickel-free diet: 67% reported a complete remission of symptoms; in 23%, a clinical improvement was noted, with the rare appearance of cutaneous or digestive symptoms of lower intensity; and three patients also reported a reduction in weight. Adverse reactions were observed only in 18 patients: 12 patients with primary cutaneous dermatitis reported mild itching, and 6 patients with gastrointestinal manifestations reported digestive disorders of low intensity.
This systemic therapy led to favorable results both in regard to cutaneous symptoms and in regard to gastrointestinal histologic modifications induced by nickel allergy, in contrast to all other therapies that could only act on the dermatitis.

           ^{Topical and Systemic Therapies for Nickel Allergy}

^{Researchers Have Discovered That A Homeopathic Psoriasis Treatment Helps With Hyposensitization Of Nickel Allergy}

 A Tulsa Dermatologist, Dr. Steven A. Smith, MD, FACP, was searching for a better way to treat patients with nickel jewelry allergy.  He  formulated Psorizide(R) Forte. "Psorizide(R) Forte is a prescription, biochemical homeopathic tablet that is safe and completely steroid free."

A clinical case study treating nickel allergic patients with oral nickel (Psorizide(R) Forte) has been completed with positive results. 81 percent (48 out of 59) successfully completed a 6 week course of nickel desensitization. All patients available for post-study analysis, 11 out of 11 (100 percent), stated that their nickel jewelry reaction had improved markedly. All patients were able to wear costume jewelry without any allergic reaction (data on file). "Psorizide(R) Forte is an effective, inexpensive, safe, and easy to use, unique prescription treatment. It is the first alternative treatment developed in decades for this problem and the only one that reverses the root cause," Dr. Smith said.  

^{Dermatologist Discovers 'Oral Nickel' Cures Most Common Jewelry Allergies}

 

 Hyposensitization for Nickel Allergy has been around since 1987.  It seems to have moved from the research phase to available treatment.  So it looks like a treatment worth discussing with my doctor. 


Have you been treated with Hyposensitization therapy? I would be interested in your experiences.