I am allergic to nickel.
NI-kel — two syllables, stress on first. Italian uses the same spelling. 'Nichel' is the Italian name for nickel.
Tell dermatologists, dentists (for implants and braces), and jewellers. Nickel is in many everyday objects and some foods.
'Allergia al nichel' = nickel allergy (contact dermatitis). Extremely common — affecting 10-15% of Italian women (from jewellery). Nickel is in: costume jewellery, jeans buttons, watch clasps, dental braces, some prosthetics, and foods (whole grains, legumes, chocolate, nuts). 'Dermatologo' will perform a 'patch test' to confirm. Low-nickel diet may be needed in severe cases.
Ho la dermatite da contatto al nichel.
I have contact dermatitis from nickel.
The specific diagnosis — the rash appears where metal touches skin
L'apparecchio ortodontico mi dà problemi alla bocca.
My dental brace is causing problems in my mouth.
Nickel in braces ('apparecchio') can cause oral contact dermatitis
Devo seguire la dieta povera di nichel?
Do I need to follow a low-nickel diet?
Systemic nickel syndrome — requires dietary restriction in severe cases
Nickel allergy ('allergia al nichel') is the most common cause of contact dermatitis in Italy. The EU Nickel Directive limits nickel release from jewellery and accessories in contact with skin — Italian manufacturers must comply. Italian dermatologists perform 'patch test' series (including the 'batteria standard europea') to identify contact allergens. 'Dieta povera di nichel' is recommended by Italian allergologists only for patients with systemic nickel allergy syndrome ('SNAS').