Systemic Contact Dermatitis to Nickel Present in Cocoa in 14‐Year‐Old Boy

Abstract

Systemic contact dermatitis can be elicited in nickel sensitive individuals by oral nickel exposure from food with high content of this metal, such as cocoa. We present a case report of a nonatopic teenager who developed allergic contact dermatitis due to nickel, cobalt, copper, and palladium, but exacerbations of skin lesions were mainly related to cocoa consumption.

Easter Egg Hunt Dermatitis: Systemic Allergic Contact Dermatitis Associated with Chocolate Ingestion

“…Our four patients demonstrated SCD reactions reportedly after significant consumption of chocolate, confirming the previous cocoa‐triggered SCD in nickel‐sensitized individuals . Chocolate‐induced dermatitis has also been reported in individuals sensitized to Myroxylon pereirae .…”

Metal Allergy and Systemic Contact Dermatitis: An Overview

“…Nickel present in the diet of a nickel-sensitive person can provoke SCD. For example, SCD can be elicited in nickel-sensitive individuals from the consumption of foods with a high nickel content, such as cocoa [8]. In such patients, adherence to a low-nickel diet and avoidance of local exposure to metal objects result in the disappearance of skin symptoms.…”

Phytochemicals and Naturally Derived Substances for Wound Healing

“…Cocoa is not without side effects, because it can contain enough nickel to elicit a systemic contact dermatitis from consumption. 9 Whether topical cocoa can elicit the same result will need to be assessed in future clinical studies.…”