Challenging Case in Clinical Practice—Refractory Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome Management: Five Cases and Chart Review Survey from an Integrative Medicine Practice

Abstract

Five patients with standard medical treatment-resistant symptoms of skin lesions, ear infections, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, asthma, heartburn, and failure to thrive were successfully treated with an integrative medicine assessment and integrative medicine treatment approach. The integrative medicine assessment method of autonomic response testing enabled the identification of nickel sensitivity as a common element in these patients. It guided the use of the integrative medicine therapies of low dose immunotherapy, gamma linolenic acid supplementation, chelation, dietary nickel restriction, and removal of nickel containing dental and cosmetic appliances. A chart review of 151 patients indicated a strong association of nickel and the simultaneous presence of skin lesions.